A disturbing case spanning multiple states has led to serious charges after authorities say a man used a dating app to lure a teenage girl and bring her across state lines.
Investigators say 51-year-old Justin Newman is now facing kidnapping and multiple sexual offense charges after a missing 15-year-old girl from Connecticut was found at his home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
The girl was first reported missing on April 9 in Middletown, setting off a search that would eventually uncover a chilling timeline.
According to police, Newman had been in contact with the teen for about three months after meeting her on a social app called Skout, which allows users to connect through chats and livestreams.
Authorities say Newman allegedly arranged for the girl to leave Connecticut by ordering a rideshare to take her to a train station. From there, she boarded a train headed south to North Carolina.
Once investigators tracked her location, Middletown police reached out to authorities in North Carolina for help.
Deputies with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office were given a description and location, and on April 27, they found the girl at Newman’s home.
Newman was arrested on the spot.
He has since been charged with first-degree kidnapping and statutory rape involving a minor under 15. Prosecutors have also added additional charges, including more counts related to sexual offenses against a child.
He is currently being held without bond at the Brunswick County Detention Center, and officials say the investigation is still ongoing, with the possibility of even more charges.
Authorities have not released the girl’s identity.