Man arrested in a different state with visible facial injuries days after his girlfriend goes missing: Cops

A Minnesota woman is missing and her boyfriend has been arrested — with extensive facial injuries evident in his mugshot.

As Fox News reported, Joseph Porter, 25, was arrested on suspicion of theft in Arkansas five days after his girlfriend was last seen. Back in Minnesota, he is reportedly also facing unspecified charges related to her disappearance.

Even though 27-year-old Cristina Prodan has been missing for more than a week and investigators are preparing her for the worst, her mother told reporters that she is still hopeful her daughter is alive.

“The deputies told me that they are looking for the body, but I don’t know if they find it or not,” said Livia Prodan in an interview with KMSP.

Investigators did not immediately reveal the charges they are pursuing in connection to Prodan’s disappearance.

“Since this is an active investigation, all we’re releasing at this time is that we’re working with multiple agencies on a missing person report that came in at 3:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5,” said Edina Police spokesperson Kaylin Eidsness.

Police say an update this week will provide additional details regarding the investigation and any criminal charges he is expected to face.

Porter and Prodan reportedly moved in together several months ago after meeting online. A short time later, Porter allegedly became abusive with his girlfriend, leading to a court order that he avoid contact with her.

Livia Prodan said her daughter “wanted to get married” to Porter, though she tried to talk her out of that decision.

“I told her, ‘He doesn’t love you, he just came to steal from you. He’s homeless, he doesn’t work,'” she said.

[Featured image: Joseph Porter/Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office]