Police in Texas are currently investigating a teen’s claims that she has coronavirus (COVID-19) and plans to infect others. The Carrollton Police Department, who identified the teen as 18-year-old Lorraine Maradiaga, is trying to locate her. The teen claimed she tested positive for COVID-19 and is “willfully spreading it.” Police are charging her with Terroristic Threat.
While the police have not confirmed that Maradiaga actually has COVID-19, they are taking her threats seriously.
The teen is under investigation for a series of videos she uploaded on Snapchat. In the first one, she appears to be at a drive-thru testing site, NBC DFW reported. A nurse tells Maradiaga she needs to go home and wait for results.
In the next video uploaded, Maradiaga is shopping at what she claims is a Walmart. NBC DFW reports that Maradiaga stated, “I’m here at Walmart about to infest every (expletive) because if I’m going down, all you (expletive) are going down.”
In the same video, she’s seen back in her car and coughing at the camera. “If you want to get the coronavirus and (expletive) die, call me,” Maradiaga said. “I’ll meet you up and (cough, cough) and I will shorten your life.”
The Department of Justice released a memo stating that “purposeful exposure and infection of others with COVID-19” could be considered an act of terrorism. This comes after an onslaught of coronavirus-related crime where individuals claiming to have COVID-19 would intentionally cough on others and store merchandise.
A spokesman for Carrollton Police told NBC DFW that officers went to Maradiaga’s home on Sunday but she was not there. Anyone with information is encouraged to call (972)-466-3333 or email CrimeTips@CityofCarrollton.com.
Lorraine Maradiaga — Sources
Carrollton Police Department
NBC DFW