Lott: Man charged with taking teen had key to home

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say a man charged with kidnapping a missing 15-year-old Columbia teen entered her home with a key he said he had lost.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Wednesday a key found in Freddie Grant’s home solved the mystery of how he got into Gabrielle Swainson’s home when there was no sign of forced entry. Lott said Gabbiee’s mother gave Grant the key about six weeks ago while he was doing floor work in the Swainsons’ home. Lott says Grant then repeatedly lied, telling her he lost the key.

Gabbiee was last seen about 4 a.m. on Aug. 18 as her mother left for work.

Grant was charged Aug. 27 with kidnapping. Lott says Grant has refused to say anything. He remains in the Lexington County jail.