A North Carolina man has been charged with kidnapping and statutory rape after authorities discovered he had transported a 15-year-old girl from Connecticut to his home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. The girl had previously been reported missing, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of Justin Newman, 51.
Teenager Reported Missing and Found in North Carolina
The girl, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reported missing from Middletown, Connecticut, on April 9. After several weeks of searching, detectives from the Middletown Police Department’s Special Victims Unit learned that Newman had used a ride-share service to transport the girl to a train station in Connecticut. She then boarded a train to North Carolina, where she was eventually found at Newman’s home on April 27.
Meeting on the Skout App and Subsequent Actions
According to prosecutors, Newman met the girl three months earlier on Skout, a dating app that connects users from around the world through live streams and chats. After the girl went missing, Middletown police reached out to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina for assistance in locating her. Deputies then located her at Newman’s residence on April 27, where she was found with him.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Newman
Following his arrest, Newman was charged with first-degree kidnapping and statutory rape of a child under the age of 15. On April 28, additional charges were filed, including two counts of statutory rape and two counts of sexual offense against a child. Newman is being held at the Brunswick County Detention Center without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 14.
Ongoing Investigation
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation is still active, and additional charges may be filed as the case progresses. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the case to come forward.
Resources for Victims of Abuse
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, resources are available. You can text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line.
For child abuse, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453), or visit www.childhelp.org. These services are available 24/7, and calls are toll-free and confidential.
