UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The man accused of using social media to lure a Union County teen was expected to be in court for a bond hearing a little more than a week after his arrest in Missouri. The hearing was postponed, however, as the the suspect requested an extension while he waits for his public defender application to be reviewed.
Christopher Porter is facing numerous charges in connection with the teen's abduction. Investigators allege that Porter took advantage of online comments made by the teen about her stress and wanting to run away.
Porter and the 16-year-old victim were found in a vehicle in Kirkwood, Missouri, last week. That's a suburb of St. Louis. Porter, a convicted sex offender, traveled to North Carolina to pick up the teen. Police said he told officers they met on anonymous social media apps and that Porter convinced her to run away from home.
The 30-year-old is being held on a $500,000 bond in a St. Louis County jail.
Advocates say stories like these are becoming more common and urge all parents to pay close attention to their children's online activities.
"They need to figure out what apps they are on, what social media, and understand what is happening online and realize predators can target your kids while at home," Angeline Hartman with the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children said.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because of the serious nature of his charges and public interest.