Missing Teen Found During Traffic Stop in Florida, Man Arrested

CRESCENT CITY, FL – A 16-year-old girl reported missing from Charlotte, North Carolina, was located during a traffic stop in Putnam County, Florida, on Sunday night, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The driver, 37-year-old Joshua Magraff of Charlotte, North Carolina, was arrested and faces multiple charges.

Traffic Stop Leads to Discovery

Around 9:40 p.m. On March 8, a Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 17 near Crescent City for speeding. During the stop, the deputy questioned the driver, Magraff, and his passenger. The passenger initially provided misleading information about her name and date of birth, stating she was 12 years old and giving multiple false identities.

Magraff initially told the deputy the passenger was his 16-year-old cousin. Concerned for the girl’s welfare, the deputy placed her in the patrol car, where she revealed her true identity and that she had been reported missing by her mother in Charlotte on February 16.

Counterfeit Currency and Drug Paraphernalia Found

Further investigation led to a search of Magraff’s vehicle, where deputies discovered approximately $1,900 in counterfeit $100 bills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia 21Alive.

Magraff changed his story multiple times when questioned, first claiming the girl was a friend and then stating he believed she was 19 years old. He told deputies they were traveling to Orlando, Florida.

Charges Filed

Joshua Magraff was arrested and booked into the Putnam County Jail on the following charges:

• Interference in child custody
• Possession of counterfeit currency
• Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
• Possession of drug equipment
• Marijuana possession
• Possession of synthetic cannabis

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families, who took custody of the teenager until she could be reunited with her mother in North Carolina. The mother stated she did not know Magraff CBS17.