Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Missing North Carolina Teen Found in Florida Traffic Stop as Driver Faces Counterfeit, Drug, Custody Charges

Conflicting stories plus false identities prompted a search that uncovered counterfeit cash and drugs.

Overview

  • A Putnam County deputy stopped a speeding car near Crescent City and identified the passenger as a 16-year-old reported missing on February 16.
  • Deputies said the teen initially gave multiple false names and birth dates, including a 2013 birth year, before providing her real identity.
  • The driver, 37-year-old Joshua Magraff of Charlotte, gave shifting accounts of his relationship to the teen and told deputies he came to Florida to play gambling games.
  • A vehicle search uncovered 19 counterfeit $100 bills, synthetic marijuana, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, according to the sheriff’s office.
  • Magraff was arrested on 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, while the teen was placed in DCF custody pending reunification with her mother.