On Monday, Howard County Police arrested a man for harboring a runaway teen and possessing marijuana in his home. The man, identified as 33-year-old Michael Johnson, was taken into custody after police received a tip about a missing 15-year-old girl who was believed to be staying at his residence.
According to police, the girl had been reported missing by her family on Sunday. After receiving the tip about her whereabouts, officers went to Johnson’s home in Columbia, Maryland, where they found the girl inside. She was unharmed and has since been reunited with her family.
During the search of Johnson’s home, police also discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Johnson was charged with possession of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Harboring a runaway is a serious offense in Maryland. Under state law, anyone who knowingly harbors or conceals a runaway child can be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. If the child is under the age of 16, the penalty can be increased to up to two years in jail and a $2,500 fine.
In addition to the criminal charges, Johnson could also face civil liability for any harm that may have come to the girl while she was in his care. If the girl was subjected to any form of abuse or neglect while staying with Johnson, he could be held responsible for any damages she suffered as a result.
This case highlights the importance of reporting missing children to law enforcement as soon as possible. The longer a child is missing, the greater the risk of harm or exploitation. It also underscores the need for parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s online activities and social connections. Many runaways are lured away by predators who use social media and other online platforms to groom and exploit vulnerable youth.
If you suspect that a child is missing or being exploited, it is important to contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. You can also report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Maryland Department of Human Services by calling 1-800-332-6347. By working together, we can help keep our children safe and prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.
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