A teenage girl from North Carolina who had been missing for several weeks was located by law enforcement officers inside a 37-year-old man's car, as revealed by unsettling bodycam footage released by authorities.
Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery
Police in Florida conducted a routine traffic stop on Sunday after Joshua Magraff was allegedly speeding along a highway near Crescent City in northern Florida. The officer approached the vehicle and immediately noticed a young passenger in the backseat.
When questioned, Magraff quickly interjected, claiming the girl was his little cousin and stating she was 16 years old. The officer then directly asked the teenager for her identification, to which she responded with hesitation.
False Identities and Growing Suspicion
The girl initially provided officers with the pseudonym Brandi Lewis and claimed to have been born in 2013, which would have made her only 12 or 13 years old. According to subsequent reports from NBC Miami, she offered two additional false names and birthdays when pressed further by deputies.
Putnam County Sheriff's Office later explained in an official statement that these inconsistent responses raised immediate concerns for the teenager's welfare and safety.
Truth Emerges in Patrol Car
Officers escorted the girl to their patrol vehicle, where she eventually revealed her true identity and actual date of birth. Police quickly determined she had been reported missing from her North Carolina home since February 16th.
Authorities promptly contacted the girl's mother, who had filed the original missing person report, confirming the teenager's identity and beginning the process of reunification.
Magraff's Changing Story
Meanwhile, deputies questioned Magraff about his relationship with the minor. The 37-year-old initially described the girl as a friend he had met in Charlotte, North Carolina.
When challenged about the significant age difference, Magraff altered his account, claiming he believed the teenager was actually 19 years old and that they had traveled together to Orlando to participate in gambling activities.
Evidence Found in Vehicle Search
A thorough search of Magraff's car uncovered substantial evidence, including 19 counterfeit $100 bills, both real and synthetic marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia.
The teenage girl was temporarily placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families while arrangements were made for her safe return to her family.
Multiple Charges Filed
Joshua Magraff now faces multiple criminal charges, including:
- Interference in child custody
- Possession of synthetic marijuana
- Possession of counterfeit currency
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Magraff is currently being held at Putnam County Jail with bond set at $9,000. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has been contacted for additional information regarding the ongoing investigation.
