Great Lakes Wire

James Carter, a 62-year-old former resident of Prescott, Michigan, was arraigned on Friday in the 2B District Court in Hillsdale. He faces one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and two counts of Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes. These charges could result in a life sentence and a four-year felony respectively, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Carter, who had been residing in Georgia, was extradited to Hillsdale County by the U.S. Marshals Service as part of Operation Survivor Justice. The charges stem from allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor and accosted her along with another victim for immoral purposes back in 2008. The Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney's Office initially charged him in August 2011.

Operation Survivor Justice is supported by a $1 million state appropriation and involves collaboration between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service. This initiative aims to locate and return fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants to Michigan.

“Operation Survivor Justice has proven that those who flee criminal allegations cannot evade accountability by crossing state lines,” stated Nessel. “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Marshals Service and county prosecutors across Michigan on this important work and remain committed to seeing justice delivered for these victims.”

Carter's cash bond has been set at $100,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 2 at 10:30 a.m., where he will attend a Probable Cause Conference.

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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.