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CONCORD, NC – An online predator accused of targeting a 12-year-old girl from Concord is awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
Police in Arizona found 21-year-old Lindon Claridge who is charged with kidnapping and indecent liberties with a child.
The victim’s mother spoke only to WCCB Charlotte Monday. She is warning parents to strictly monitor their kids’ social media sites and phones because she believes Claridge targeted other girls too.
“Look at your kid’s Twitter account and Facebook accounts with a fine tooth comb because this boy went by three aliases, three different people he was claiming to be,” said the victim’s mother, who didn’t want to give her name.
The victim says the man from Cornelius posed as a 16-year-old on Facebook. Her mother says Claridge friend-requested her 12-year-old daughter on Facebook in August. In less than a week, she says they were texting and talking on the phone. Then, she says he coerced the girl into giving him their address.
“He threatened her, if she didn’t come outside, he would harm the whole family. So, that’s when she went outside and he had my daughter for over three hours,” said the victim’s mother.
The victim tells WCCB she was inappropriately touched by Claridge and then dropped off a few blocks from her house.
“He kissed my daughter and touched my daughter in places he shouldn’t have,” said the victim’s mother,
Concord police issued a warrant for Claridge on September 9th. On September 11th, officers found him in Arizona where he was charged with kidnapping and indecent liberties with a child.
“I know there’s other kids out there that he’s messed with. Look through their phones for these little apps that they can hide.”
Concord Police say Claridge has an extradition hearing in Arizona on Thursday.
The victim’s mother says she has a hearing Wednesday to get a restraining order against Claridge.
