Driver changes his story after Florida police find missing 16-year-old girl in his car

11 Mar 2026 • 11:18 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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A man pulled over for speeding in Florida was found with a missing 16-year-old girl in his car.

Joshua Magraff, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was stopped by Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies near Crescent City on March 8.

During routine inquiries, his female passenger gave officers three false names, prompting them to be concerned for her welfare.

Magraff initially said the girl was "his cousin' before switching and claiming she was a "friend".

The 16-year-old had been reported missing almost a month earlier by her mother in North Carolina.

During a search of the vehicle, counterfeit money and drug paraphernalia was also found. Magraff is now facing number of charges.

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