PPO violator questioned about abduction

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Jenison man was charged Wednesday for violating a previous personal protection order (PPO) filed by his ex-fiancee in 2008.

He will be arraigned Thursday on charges of kidnapping across state lines and unlawful imprisonment regarding a separate incident from last weekend with an ex-girlfriend.

The latter relationship -- between Travis Ghent and Raquel Mayhanagian -- ended last week. Mayhanagian says he then went to her house in Byron Center and threatened, abused and drugged her while on a trip to New York.

She was reported missing Friday. Police said she was able to escape Sunday and board an airplane home.

Ghent, 25, was arrested Tuesday -- the same day Mayhanagian, 25, filed a personal protection order against him.

This isn't the first PPO against Ghent. According to authorities, another woman says Ghent abused her last year while they were engaged. This is the PPO that was in question in court Wednesday. No details were provided on the violation, except that it involved phone calls to the victim.

Ghent asked the court for another hearing in the case instead of pleading guilty.

"We have been told that our office this morning approved a charge of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment or unlawful confinement against Mr. Ghent," said James Benson of the Kent County Prosecutor's Office. "I know nothing more about the circumstances, but obviously, those are major felonies."

The judge was quick to offer advice, knowing Ghent faces charges in the Mayhanagian case.

"Mr. Ghent, I don't want you to tell me anything today about anything related to this," Judge Christopher Yates said. "We're recording this today and anything you say can be used against you."

Ghent faces fewer than 100 days in jail most likely just a stiff fine for contacting his ex repeatedly by phone.

Yates set a bond at $250,000 cash surety in an effort to ensure Ghent's appearance on the additional charges from the case involving Mayhanagian. An arraignment on the kidnapping case likely will take place Thursday.

Ghent remains at the Kent County jail.

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In an e-mail to the 24 Hour News 8 newsroom, Ken Ghent, Travis' father, wrote:

Dear News 8, Our family would like to issue a statement to the media: The Ghent family would like the Mayhanagian family to know that they continue to be in their thoughts and prayers. The Ghent family would like to acknowledge that their son/brother is a very sick person. They have become aware that Travis is highly addicted to various drugs. Travis was found by his father Tuesday afternoon in very bad condition. He was then brought to the emergency room where his father alerted police he would be. They believe this was the only way to save his life. Thank you. Ken Ghent.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to follow this story.