Missing 16-year-old North Carolina girl found in Florida traffic stop; Charlotte man arrested after conflicting accounts

Teen located during Putnam County traffic stop

A 16-year-old North Carolina girl who had been reported missing was located in Putnam County, Florida, during a traffic stop that began as a speeding enforcement action. Deputies stopped a vehicle and found the teen inside, then took her into their custody to ensure her safety.

The driver was identified as 37-year-old Joshua Magraff of Charlotte. Authorities said the discovery prompted an investigation into why the teen was traveling with an adult from out of state and under what circumstances she left North Carolina.

Deputies cite shifting explanations from the driver

Investigators said Magraff gave deputies conflicting statements during the encounter, changing his explanation multiple times when asked about his connection to the teen and the purpose of their travel. The inconsistencies were cited by authorities as a factor that elevated the stop from a traffic matter to a criminal investigation.

Law enforcement has not publicly released a detailed timeline of how or when the teen left North Carolina, nor have officials disclosed how the pair met. Authorities also have not released information indicating whether the teen was harmed. The teen’s case remained active as investigators worked to determine whether any criminal coercion, custodial interference, or other offenses occurred before and during the interstate travel.

Arrest and initial charges

Magraff was arrested following the stop. Florida authorities said he faces a child custody-related charge connected to the circumstances of the teen being in the vehicle. Additional charges were also referenced by law enforcement in initial reporting, though complete charging documents and a full count list were not immediately available in public summaries at the time of publication.

Officials have not announced whether extradition to North Carolina will be sought or whether North Carolina investigators intend to file separate charges there. The status of bond, court dates, and legal representation were not included in the initial agency summaries.

What happens next in the investigation

Authorities are expected to focus on establishing consent, custody and guardianship status, and the sequence of decisions leading to the teen’s disappearance report and her location in Florida. In cases involving a missing juvenile found across state lines, investigators typically examine:

• When the juvenile was last seen and when the missing report was filed
• How travel was arranged, including communications and meeting points
• Whether any adult involved had legal authority to transport or house the juvenile
• Whether deception, coercion, or threats played a role

The investigation remains active, with authorities working to clarify how the teen left North Carolina and why she was traveling in Florida.

Officials have not released the teen’s identity due to her age. The case remains under investigation in Florida, with coordination expected between Florida law enforcement and North Carolina agencies as they determine next steps.