Jason Kushmaul, a 50-year-old man from Tennessee, was arraigned in the 77th District Court in Reed City, Michigan, on three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges relate to alleged assaults against three minors under the age of 13 that reportedly occurred between 2002 and 2008 while Kushmaul lived in Osceola County.
The case began when the victims reported the alleged assaults in 2016. By that time, Kushmaul had already left Michigan. He was charged by the Osceola County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and was recently extradited to Osceola County through Operation Survivor Justice. This operation is a collaboration among the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service aimed at locating and returning fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants to Michigan.
Attorney General Dana Nessel stated: “Operation Survivor Justice continues to ensure that individuals cannot evade charges by crossing state lines. Through this vital partnership, we are committed to bringing fugitives back to Michigan to face the charges against them.”
Kushmaul’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 5 for a probable cause conference.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General plays an active role in protecting vulnerable populations and advancing social efforts such as actions against human trafficking (official website). The department also serves residents through public service initiatives and has statewide authority to safeguard people across Michigan (official website). Dana Nessel currently serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general (official website).
Officials remind the public that all criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
