Food Network Star Darnell Ferguson Allegedly Broke Into Estranged Wife’s Home, Threatened to Kill Her: Warrant

Darnell's attorney, Krsna Tibbs, told local station WDRB Wednesday that his client and the alleged victim share three children together

Prior to his arrest Tuesday, Food Network star Darnell "SuperChef” Ferguson allegedly broke into his estranged wife’s home and threatened to kill her, according to an arrest warrant reviewed by PEOPLE.

According to the warrant, filed with the Kentucky Court of Justice and served on Jan. 9, Darnell, 36, was arrested in St. Matthews on felony charges of burglary and strangulation. He also faces misdemeanor charges including assault, terroristic threatening, menacing, criminal mischief and theft-receipt of a stolen credit or debit card.

A separate case history file reviewed by PEOPLE shows he was arraigned Wednesday and subsequently released from jail after posting a $10,000 bond. News stations WDRB, WHAS 11 and WEWS-TV reported from the courtroom that Darnell has pleaded not guilty.

Related: Food Network Star Darnell Ferguson Arrested on Strangulation and Burglary Charges

The alleged incident took place on Jan. 2 when police allege Darnell broke into the St. Matthews home of his estranged wife, Tatahda Ferguson, and began yelling at her and punching walls. He then allegedly grabbed her by the neck and strangled her while threatening to kill her, the warrant states.

According to the warrant, Tatahda claimed she was unable to breathe and lost consciousness.

“When victim regained consciousness, she was on the floor and [Darnell] then ripped off the victim's shorts, causing a scratch to victim's upper thigh,” the warrant alleges. “After ripping victim's shorts, [Darnell] demanded to see victim's private area and told victim she was his and no one else's.”

The warrant further claims that Tatahda told police that Darnell’s alleged actions “placed her in fear of being sexually assaulted.” Before Darnell left the home, he allegedly took Tatahda’s credit/debit card and her ID, according to the warrant.

Police were called to the home and took photos of the alleged victim’s injuries, which included “redness, scratches and pain to her neck and a scratch to her upper thigh,” the warrant states. She was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Darnell’s attorney, Krsna Tibbs, told WDRB Wednesday that his client and the alleged victim share three children. Tibbs also claimed to the outlet that the alleged victim wants to “work everything out and wants to drop the charges.”

PEOPLE left a message with Tibbs’ office seeking comment Thursday but did not immediately hear back. PEOPLE couldn’t immediately identify an attorney for Tatahda.

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According to the Courier-Journal, court records from the Jefferson County Family Court state Darnell had had a protection order filed against him on Jan. 2. The identity of the person who filed the order was not shared by the outlet.

Darnell is described on the Food Network website as a celebrity chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur, who currently hosts Superchef Grudge Match. In early 2023, he co-hosted Season 25 of Worst Cooks in America alongside Anne Burrell.

He also is a frequent judge on Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games, competed on three seasons of Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions and has recently appeared on OWN’s The Big Holiday Food Fight and Food Fantasies.

Darnell’s case history file states he was court ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. He is expected back in Jefferson County District Court for his preliminary hearing on Jan. 18.

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