Friday, March, 13 2026 - A teen from North Carolina, U.S. who had been missing for almost three weeks was found during a traffic stop in Florida, according to authorities.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office said a deputy spotted a
vehicle speeding on South US 17 near Crescent City and pulled it over in
Monday, March 9.
The sheriff's said the passenger "gave misleading
information about her name and date of birth."
Officials said that the driver, identified as 37-year-old
Joshua Magraff from Charlotte, North Carolina, initially claimed the girl was
his cousin. However, the passenger allegedly provided a birth year that
indicated she was only 12 years old, which raised concerns for her safety.
It was reported that the deputy placed the girl in his patrol car, where she
revealed her true identity. A subsequent check confirmed that she had been
reported missing from North Carolina a month earlier.
The girl's mother was contacted and confirmed that she did
not know Magraff and had reported her daughter missing on February 16.
When questioned by deputies about his relationship with the
teen, Magraff's story allegedly changed multiple times. He first described her
as a friend, then claimed he believed she was 19 years old.
According to the report, Magraff said he was
in Florida to play gambling games.
During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement reported
finding 19 counterfeit $100 bills, synthetic marijuana, marijuana, and drug
paraphernalia.
The Department of Children and Families was
contacted to take custody of the teenager until she can be reunited with her
mother.
Magraff was arrested and accused of multiple charges,
including interference in child custody, possession of synthetic marijuana,
possession of counterfeit currency, contributing to the delinquency of a minor,
and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He is currently held at the Putnam County Jail on a $9,000
bond.
See video of the moment he was caught with the child below.
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