LANSING, Mich. — James Carter, 62, was extradited to Michigan and arraigned on multiple charges Friday in connection with the sexual assault of a minor and other alleged offenses dating back to 2008. Carter, who was initially charged in Hillsdale County in 2011, now faces serious charges including one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes.
The accused, formerly a resident of Prescott in Ogemaw County, had been living in Georgia in recent years. He was apprehended and extradited to Michigan last week as part of Operation Survivor Justice, a collaborative initiative between the U.S. Marshals Service, the Michigan Department of Attorney General, and prosecutors from across the country. The program is designed to track down and extradite individuals facing serious charges of sexual assault while minimizing costs compared to private extradition services. The operation is funded by a $1 million allocation from the state of Michigan.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the success of the program, stating, “Operation Survivor Justice has proven that those who flee criminal allegations cannot evade accountability by crossing state lines.” She emphasized the commitment to holding alleged offenders accountable, no matter their location.
Carter now faces one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries the potential for a life sentence, along with two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes, each a felony with a maximum sentence of four years. During his arraignment, his cash bond was set at $100,000.
Carter is scheduled for a probable cause conference in Hillsdale County District Court on April 2 at 10:30 a.m. The court proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to ensure justice is served for the victims involved, and Carter’s extradition highlights the importance of interstate cooperation in addressing serious criminal cases.
