PPO violator gets 6-20 yrs in abduction

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Jenison man who violated a personal protection order and faced charges for kidnapping a Byron Center woman across state lines has been sentenced to six to 20 years in prison.

Travis Ghent was in Kent County Circuit Court on Wednesday. In July, he pleaded guilty to unlawful imprisonment and no-contest to extortion. His sentences will run concurrent.

In October 2009, Ghent drove Raquel Mayhanagian to New York. He forced her to use marijuana and take Darvocet. Mayhanagian said she feared for her life and repeatedly asked Ghent to take her home.

Mayhanagian was able to call her father while Ghent was in the shower at their hotel. She said she was able to leave the room while Ghent was sleeping. She then took a flight home.