Texas Woman Arrested: Bragged on Social Media of Spreading COVID-19

The Carrollton Police Department recently posted to their Facebook page looking for tips on the whereabouts of a North Texas woman bragging over social media about spreading COVID-19. Carrollton is northwest of Dallas, and authorities have stated the woman claimed she tested positive for COVID-19 and was “willfully spreading it.” She has been identified as Lorraine Maradiaga, an 18-year-old from Carrollton. Although there is no proof that she actually tested positive, as a result of her social media sharing, police have said that she will be charged under the Texas Penal Code with a Terroristic Threat, which is a third-degree felony.

Photo: envato elements

Earlier this month, Carrollton Police were asking that anyone who knows of Maradiaga’s whereabouts to email or to call in with tips. The authorities stated, “We have no confirmation Maradiaga is actually a threat to public health. We are, however, taking her social media actions very seriously.” The Carrollton Police posted two images of Maradiaga to their social media.

Photo: envato elements

On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Maradiaga was subsequently arrested. According to a press release by authorities, she told the police that she, in fact, tested negative for COVID-19. According to reports by Johns Hopkins University, in the U.S., over 399K have recently tested positive for the virus. The number of deceased has grown to 12,900. Maradiaga has been transferred to the Denton County Jail, and a bond of $20,000 has been set. Police have stated, “As a condition of her bond, Maradiaga is ordered to quarantine for 21 days upon date of release from custody as a precaution.” It has not been identified as to whether Maradiaga has an attorney.

Texas continues to battle the invisible enemy of COVID-19, and citizens all across the Lone Star State have taken precautionary measures such as social distancing and self-quarantine in the hope of helping to prevent the spread of the virus.