Honk News (Odessa, TX) – A registered sex offender, arrested late last month when a runaway teen was discovered in his home, is now facing additional charges following the teen’s release from the hospital and her account to investigators.
Michael Gene Linthicum faces charges for abandoning or endangering a child due to criminal negligence, as well as for purchasing or furnishing alcohol to a minor. In addition to his other charges, he faces accusations of Harboring a Runaway and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Requirements.
In early February, a report from the Odessa Police Department revealed that the family of a 14-year-old girl reached out for assistance after she left home without permission. Last month, the search for her location ramped up when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an alert. They teamed up with the Ring Neighbors App, which connects with millions of users to help find missing children in real time.
On February 28, the teenager reached out to her family using a phone that belonged to Linthicum, leading to a search of his property. Investigators discovered the 14-year-old at a residence on Golder Avenue. They found out that she had been living with a woman named Anita Newton and Linthicum since she left home on February 1.
Newton and Linthicum were taken into custody at the scene and face charges for harboring a runaway. In Texas, this offense can lead to a fine of up to $4,000 and/or a year in jail.
Recent documents revealed that when the OPD arrived at Linthicum’s residence and discovered the teenager, she was heavily intoxicated and required medical assistance. After leaving the hospital, the girl talked to a forensic investigator and revealed that she had been with the suspects for 28 days. During that period, Linthicum provided her with alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamines.
Linthicum was still at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center on Monday afternoon, held on a total bond of $110,000.