Bond Denied for Man Accused of Holding Woman Captive

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Wednesday afternoon Paul Rawl appeared before a Lexington County judge for charges that are for some, unfathomable. 

“He had his home set up in such a way that the alarm system controlled the doors and the windows and he also had a listening device hidden in the bedroom so he could here everything going on. As well as, putting a large piece of furniture up against the door,” says Lexington County Sheriff James Metts

Metts says the 52 year old unidentified victim was once Rawl’s girlfriend. But, we’re told the two had broken up and only recently gotten back together. Immediately after reconciling, Metts says the abuse started. 

“At one point he took a bow and arrow, pointed at her face and told her he was going to kill her,” says Metts

Rawl is also accused of making the unidentified victim take Xanax to keep her from escaping. 

“He took her head and threw it up against a wall and jammed it into a wall,” says Metts

The abuse reportedly lasted from July of this year until this week when deputies say the victim convinced Rawl to take her to a doctor. 

“Had she not talked him into seeking medical help, there’s no telling how long she would’ve been there, or if he would’ve killed her,” says Metts

This is not Rawl’s first brush with the law. He’s currently a registered sex offender after a Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor conviction in 2000. 

He served eight years on that conviction. We’re told the victim in that case was just 12 years old.