Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The suspected kidnapper of Gabbiee Swainson is seen on tape helping in the search for the missing teen, passing out fliers.
A WLTX News 19photographer remembered a man at the search thatresembled Freddie Grant, the man charged with kidnapping Gabbiee. It turned out it was him.
Investigators say Grant has a long criminal record that includes possession with intent to distribute crack, domestic violence and insurance fraud.
"When we initially interviewed him, he was totally uncooperative with us, which was unusual in that here's someone who's a friend of the family who just doesn't want to help," Richland County's Sheriff Leon Lott said.
Officers say Grant was arrested on an ammunitioncharge onSunday, August 26th. Since he's been in custody, officers say they have gathered evidence connecting him to the case, and charged him with kidnapping Tuesday, August 28th.
Lott says investigators have found blood on duct tape that matches Gabbiee's at Grant's home, and they've recovered other DNA evidence linking the suspect to the disappearance. In addition, GPS tracking from her cell phone also led investigators to the location.
Grantis in Lexington County jail waiting on a hearing on federal charges for being a felon with ammunition. Federal official say he has waived his right to an initial court appearance.
Sheriff Lott says Grant also may be connected to another missing person's case: the disappearance of 29-year-old Adrianna Laster. The Florida native, who last lived in Elgin,hasn't been seen since September of last year. Sheriff Lott says she was last known to have been with Grant.
Grant is not charged in any way with Laster's disappearance.
Sheriff Lott is having a press conference Thursday morning at 10 to discuss the latest in the missing teen's case. You can see that conference on our air as well as streaming live here on wltx.com.
Anyone with information on where Gabbiee may be should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
