Jason Kushmaul, 50, of Oakdale, Louisiana, has waived preliminary examination and will stand trial in the 49th Circuit Court in Osceola County on three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on March 12. Kushmaul is accused of sexually assaulting three minors under the age of 13 between approximately 2002 and 2008 while living in Osceola County.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to pursue individuals charged with serious crimes even after they leave Michigan. Kushmaul was initially charged in 2016 by the Osceola County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office after victims reported the alleged assaults. By that time, he had already left Michigan. In February, Kushmaul was extradited from Louisiana and arraigned as part of Operation Survivor Justice—a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service designed to locate and return fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
“Operation Survivor Justice continues to ensure that individuals cannot evade charges by crossing state lines,” said Attorney General Nessel at the time of arraignment. “Through this vital partnership, we are committed to bringing fugitives back to Michigan to face the charges against them.”
Kushmaul is scheduled for his next court appearance before Judge Amy C. Clapp on March 27.
According to the official website, the Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations. The department also focuses on serving residents through public service initiatives and protection measures according to its official website. Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to the official website.
The department operates with statewide authority to safeguard residents across Michigan according to its official website. It has also influenced policy by drafting laws such as the Clean Slate law in 2019 for expungement opportunities according to its official website.
A previous press release incorrectly stated that Kushmaul was extradited from Tennessee; he was actually extradited from Louisiana. Authorities remind that a criminal charge is merely an allegation and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
