Putnam County, FL — A 16-year-old girl reported missing from North Carolina was safely located during a traffic stop in Florida late yesterday evening, leading to the arrest of a Charlotte man.
According to authorities, Deputy Chewning observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on South U.S. 17 near Crescent City. Although the vehicle slowed down, the deputy initiated a traffic stop after pacing the vehicle above the posted speed limit.
During the stop, deputies spoke with the driver and a female passenger. The passenger initially provided misleading information about her name and date of birth. The driver, identified as Joshua Lewis Magraff, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, told deputies the girl was his 16-year-old cousin.
The passenger then provided a birth year of 2013, which would have made her only 12 years old. After giving deputies two additional false names and dates of birth, Deputy Chewning became increasingly concerned about the girl’s welfare.
Deputies placed the juvenile in a patrol vehicle, where she eventually revealed her real name. A records check showed she had been reported missing from North Carolina about a month earlier.
Authorities contacted the teen’s mother, who confirmed she had reported her daughter missing on February 16 and told deputies she did not know Magraff.
When questioned further, Magraff changed his explanation several times. He first said the girl was his cousin, then said she was a friend, and later claimed he believed she was 19 years old. He also told deputies he was in Florida to play gambling games.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered 19 counterfeit $100 bills, synthetic marijuana, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted and took custody of the teen until she can be safely reunited with her mother.
Magraff was arrested and charged with Interference with Child Custody, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, Possession of Counterfeit Currency, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
He was booked into the Putnam County Jail and is being held on a $9,000 bond.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
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