Michigan man who fled to Mexico extradited, facing charges for sexually assaulting minors, giving them meth

(WWJ) — A Michigan man has been extradited from Mexico and will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting minors and giving them meth.

Anthony Cuyler, a 46-year-old Branch County resident, was bound over to stand trial on multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct

Cuyler was charged in 2019 for allegedly sexually assaulting two young girls, ages 11 and 12, and allegedly providing them with meth.

But before the legal process played out, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office says Cuyler fled to Mexico.

He eluded authorities for several years before he was finally taken into custody and returned to Branch County last month.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to see their abusers brought to justice, and in some cases that requires extraordinary and unusual efforts,” Nessel said, per a press release. “I am grateful to local law enforcement, the Branch County prosecuting attorneys, and especially the U.S. Marshals Service for bringing this man home to face criminal accountability. Without their dedication to apprehending those accused of cold-case sexual crimes, Mr. Cuyler would likely still be in Mexico, and not awaiting a trial date in circuit court, as he is today.”

In addition to the CSC charges, Cuyler is also facing one count of delivery of methamphetamine to a minor, one count of possession of methamphetamine and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon.

A preliminary hearing was held Thursday in the 3-A District Court in Branch County before Judge Brent R. Weigle. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 12 in 15th Circuit Court.