Missing since early December: Man locks girl (16) in secret room for weeks

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A teenage girl (16) has been missing in the American state of North Carolina since early December. She was rescued by police at Christmas after a man held her captive in a secret room for weeks.

The police tracked down Zackary J.* (34) thanks to an argument. Neighbors called police after an argument broke out at the home in the Kentucky mountains. When the officers arrived at J., there was no trace of the young woman. According to J., she fled shortly before the police arrived.

During a tour of the house, the police discovered a hatch hidden under a carpet in J.’s bedroom. Behind it was a secret room where the teenager was.

Medicine residues have been found

According to the police, J. and the girl met via the internet. According to statements she made to the police, he pretended to be much younger online. During an arranged meeting, J. picked her up in North Carolina and took her to Kentucky.

When the teenager found out that J. was considerably older than she thought, he allegedly threatened her with death and locked her in his house. He also allegedly gave her drugs. The officers found drug residue and paraphernalia at the scene that, among other things, was used to consume cocaine.

Zackary J. is currently in custody. He is charged with several charges, including illegal sexual intercourse with minors, rape and violations of the Narcotics Act. (zis)

*Name known

Source: Blick