In a shocking and disturbing case, a missing teenage girl from North Carolina was found hidden beneath a trap door in the house of a 34-year-old man in Kentucky on Christmas Day. The girl, who had been reported missing on December 6, was rescued by police who were responding to a domestic violence call made by the suspect's mother.

The suspect, identified as Zackary Jones, was arrested and now faces over 30 charges, including rape, unlawful imprisonment, resisting arrest, and illegal sex act with a person under the age of 18. According to an arrest citation, Jones had allegedly pretended to be a 19-year-old online to establish contact with the teen. They eventually met up in North Carolina, where Jones initially claimed to be 25 years old. However, upon reaching his home in Kentucky, the girl discovered his true age and was subjected to threats and coercion.

The arrest citation also revealed that Jones allegedly threatened to shoot or kill the girl multiple times and demanded that she pretend to be 18 years old. The girl informed authorities that Jones possessed a .22 caliber pistol, which was later recovered from the scene. It remains unclear whether Jones' family was aware of the girl's real age or if they were aware that she was being held against her will.

On Christmas Day, when the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office arrived at Jones' residence, only the suspect was present. Jones claimed that the girl had fled the scene, but further investigation led officers to discover a hidden room underneath a rug in his bedroom. It was in this concealed compartment that the missing girl was found.

Upon her rescue, the victim appeared to be under the influence of drugs. She informed law enforcement that Jones had been sexually assaulting her and that they had been using crack cocaine together. The arrest citation states that Jones admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the girl at least ten times and admitted to providing her with crack cocaine. However, he denied choking her, despite visible marks on her neck noted by officers.

Jones now faces a multitude of charges and could potentially face additional charges in North Carolina as the investigation continues. The victim has since been reunited with her family, but the trauma she endured will undoubtedly have lasting effects. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk online and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators.