The case of Madalina Cojocari, a 15-year-old girl who went missing from Cornelius in January 2023, took a new turn on Thursday as her stepfather and mother appeared in court.
Stepfather’s bond reduced to $25K
Madalina’s stepfather, John Michael Winters, was arrested in February 2023 on charges of indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape. He was initially held on a $1 million bond, but on Thursday, a judge reduced his bond to $25,000.
Winters’ attorney argued that his client had no criminal record, had strong ties to the community, and was not a flight risk. He also said that Winters had cooperated with the police and had passed a polygraph test.
The prosecutor opposed the bond reduction, saying that Winters posed a danger to the public and that he had admitted to having sexual contact with Madalina.
The judge granted the bond reduction with several conditions, including that Winters wear an electronic monitor, have no contact with minors, and surrender his passport.
Mother pleads not guilty to failing to report daughter’s disappearance
Madalina’s mother, Diana Cojocari, was also arrested in February 2023 on charges of failing to report her daughter missing and obstructing justice. She pleaded not guilty to both charges on Thursday.
Cojocari’s attorney said that she had reported her daughter missing to the police in Romania, where she is originally from, and that she had no knowledge of Winters’ alleged abuse of Madalina.
The prosecutor said that Cojocari had lied to the police about her daughter’s whereabouts and had hindered their investigation.
Cojocari remains in jail on a $500,000 bond1. She faces up to 13 years in prison if convicted.
Madalina still missing after eight months
Madalina Cojocari was last seen on January 9, 2023, at her home in Cornelius. She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
The police have not been able to locate her despite conducting multiple searches and following several leads. They believe she may be in danger and may have left the state or the country.
Anyone with information about Madalina’s disappearance is urged to call the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-1363 or Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867.
