Florida Man Arrested for Concealing Vapes While With Missing Teen

Brandon Lee Gray II, 18, faces charges after being found with a missing 15-year-old girl and hiding vape pens on his person.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:31pm

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An 18-year-old man from Palm Coast, Florida, Brandon Lee Gray II, was arrested after being found with a missing 15-year-old girl from Central Florida. Gray had previously taken the girl out of state without parental consent in December 2025. When deputies arrested Gray, they discovered he had hidden two electronic vape pens "strapped to Gray's penis using hair ties."

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of adults having unauthorized contact with minors, as well as the growing issue of vaping among youth. It also raises concerns about the ability of repeat offenders to continue committing crimes despite prior warnings from law enforcement.

The details

On January 11, deputies were called to Beckner Lane in Flagler County, Florida, after a 15-year-old girl was reported missing. Her father suspected she was with Brandon Lee Gray II, an 18-year-old from Palm Coast, who had previously taken the girl out of state without parental consent in December 2025. When Gray was arrested at his home on January 16, deputies found he had purchased bus tickets to Houston, Texas, under false names using his mother's bank account. When being transported to jail, Gray was found to have two hidden electronic vape pens "strapped to Gray's penis using hair ties."

  • On December 2025, Gray previously took the 15-year-old girl out of state without parental consent.
  • On January 11, 2026, the 15-year-old girl was reported missing in Flagler County, Florida.
  • On January 16, 2026, Gray was arrested at his home in Palm Coast, Florida.

The players

Brandon Lee Gray II

An 18-year-old man from Palm Coast, Florida, who was arrested for being found with a missing 15-year-old girl and for concealing vape pens on his person.

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Gray and recovered the missing 15-year-old girl.

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What they’re saying

“This case shows just how important it is for parents to be involved in their child's life.”

— Sheriff Rick Staly

What’s next

The judge will decide on Gray's bond and whether he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to protect minors from unauthorized adult contact, as well as the ongoing challenge of addressing youth vaping and substance abuse issues.