Incident Summary

On October 12, 2012, John David Du Wors was charged with felony unlawful imprisonment after he hog-tied his stepdaughter, locked her in a bathroom, and when she escaped, chased her down and beat her bloody.

Verbatim Allegations from Police Report

The following are direct quotes from the police report and criminal complaint:

They tied her hands together and her feet together and locked her in the bathroom.

She was able to untie herself and get out of the bathroom. She then ran toward the front of the house where her stepfather caught her in the driveway.

Her stepfather then began hitting her in the head... he had hit her at least seven times.

He told her that if she was going to act like an animal she was going to be treated like an animal.

He also called her a "bitch."

Documented Injuries

The minor victim sustained severe injuries documented by law enforcement:

  • Two black eyes
  • Bruised cheeks
  • Bruised arms
  • Bruised neck
  • Could not hear from her left ear
  • Dried blood in left ear

Case Number: 20704301P

Charge: Felony Unlawful Imprisonment

Court: Bainbridge Island Municipal Court

Disposition: Guilty plea entered; sentenced August 19, 2014

Pattern of Violence

This incident represents the first documented instance of Du Wors' violent conduct toward family members. Two years later, he would assault his wife in a similar manner:

  • October 2012: This felony assault on his stepdaughter
  • August 2014: Assault on wife - threw her to the ground, left scrape marks on her leg, arms, neck, and face

Impact on Professional Standing

This felony charge, along with his other criminal convictions, factored into his professional disciplinary proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, ultimately contributing to his disbarment in Delaware and suspension in Washington and California.

Source Documents

  • Felony Complaint: Washington v. Du Wors, Case 20704301P