A Missing Teen, A Hidden Room, And A Growing List Of Charges In Centre County

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. — A 34-year-old man is facing multiple serious charges after authorities located a missing teenage girl inside a Boalsburg residence earlier this month.

Michael Gnudi, of Luzerne County, is accused of concealing the whereabouts of the teen after police found her during an investigation on April 6. The girl had been reported missing the day before by her father, who has sole custody.

According to court documents, officers identified a residence connected to Gnudi and found the girl inside a bedroom when they conducted a search. Police reported that Gnudi appeared visibly nervous when he answered the door and initially denied knowledge of the situation before later acknowledging contact with the teen.

Investigators say the case expanded following additional interviews and digital evidence. Authorities allege that Gnudi maintained ongoing communication with the teen over a period of time and played a role in her leaving home and traveling to Centre County.

Police also reported that the teen had been under the influence of illegal substances during her stay at the residence. Further details provided in the affidavit describe concerns about manipulation and inappropriate conduct, which are now part of an ongoing investigation.

The girl told investigators that she had been in contact with Gnudi prior to her disappearance and that he picked her up and brought her to the Boalsburg location after leaving her home area.

Her father told police he believed she had been influenced and remained concerned about continued contact without his knowledge.

As a result of the investigation, Gnudi is now facing additional felony charges, including allegations related to human trafficking, illegal material involving a minor, and drug-related offenses. He had previously been charged with concealment of a child, interference with custody, and corruption of minors.

Authorities say Gnudi admitted to transporting the teen from Lackawanna County to Centre County.

He was arraigned and is currently being held at the Centre County Jail after being unable to post $250,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled in the coming days as the case continues to develop.