The mother of a man believed to be connected to the death of 17-year-old London Thomas has been arrested and charged with lying to police during the investigation.
Charla Rashida Pendergrass, 48, of Clawson, was taken into custody Friday morning by Michigan State Police. Prosecutors say she provided false information to FBI agents between April 5 and April 24, 2025, as they investigated Thomas’ disappearance and death.
Pendergrass has been charged with Lying to a Peace Officer During a Violent Crime Investigation, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. She was arraigned Friday.
Pendergrass is the mother of London Thomas’ ex-boyfriend. He has not been charged yet in connection to the case.
Thomas was last seen on April 5 in Inkster. After receiving a tip, police discovered her body near a home in the area of 8 Mile and Telegraph in Southfield. The cause of death has not yet been released.
Michigan State Police are leading the investigation.
