OFF THE RECORD: Missing Missouri Teen Found Hidden in Closet of Registered Sex Offender—700 Miles From Home
A 16-year-old girl who disappeared from Columbia, Missouri in December has been found alive—concealed inside a closet in the home of a convicted sex offender nearly 700 miles away in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Authorities say the teen was discovered during a police raid on the residence of 44-year-old Maximilian Bondrescu, a registered sex offender. Initially, Bondrescu denied knowing the girl’s whereabouts. But a thorough search of his property revealed the teen hidden in a closet, confirming officers’ suspicions.
Bondrescu is accused of renting a car to travel to Missouri, where he allegedly abducted the girl and brought her back to Colorado. The teen told investigators she was held against her will and rarely allowed to leave the home. When she was permitted outside, it was only to work for Bondrescu’s snow removal business—masked to conceal her age and identity.
According to local station 9News, Bondrescu first connected with the teen through the social media apps Boo and Snapchat. Her disappearance was reported by her father when she failed to return home or show up for school.
Disturbingly, the girl told police that she had asked to go home multiple times in January and February, but Bondrescu allegedly told her he couldn’t afford the trip back.
“The importance of the work done by the Fort Collins Police Cyber Crime Unit, and similar units across the nation, plays a vital role in helping to keep our children safe,” said Fort Collins Police Assistant Chief Kristy Volesky. “Had it not been for the diligent work of these detectives, the juvenile could have continued to be victimized.”
Bondrescu now faces a series of serious charges, including second-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, child abuse, false imprisonment, failure to register as a sex offender, harboring a juvenile, and obstructing law enforcement.
Investigators say they are now working closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served for the young victim.
