Columbia Police Department (CPD) Special Victims Unit (SVU) Investigators have arrested a 38-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.
According to Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook, Brandon C. McLaughlin is charged with Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – Second Degree. McLaughlin remains housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) after a judge denied bond.
Earlier this month, the victim’s mother reported her 12-year-old daughter missing from the Randall Avenue area. Investigators believe the suspect allegedly persuaded the victim to leave that area with him. McLaughlin is further accused of driving the victim to his Gill Street apartment, preventing her from leaving and sexually assaulting her.
On the same day, while responding to a separate emergency call for service at the complex, CPD officers found the victim and after investigating determined that the child was reported missing by her mother. Officers contacted the victim’s mother who arrived on scene. Officers also requested EMS take the victim to a local hospital. Subsequently, suspect McLaughlin was arrested on-site. He remains housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after a judge denied bond.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.