Jason Kushmaul, 50, of Oakdale, Louisiana, pled no contest today to three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the plea following assaults involving three minors under the age of 13.
The incidents occurred between approximately 2002 and 2008 while Kushmaul resided in Osceola County. The Osceola County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office initially charged Kushmaul in 2016 after the victims reported the assaults.
By the time of the 2016 charges, Kushmaul had left Michigan. In February, authorities extradited him to Osceola County for arraignment.
The arrest and return of Kushmaul were conducted under Operation Survivor Justice. The operation is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The program focuses on locating and apprehending fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
“Fugitives who attempt to evade accountability not only delay closure for survivors, but they make communities less safe,” Nessel said. “I am proud of the work of prosecutors in my office and our Operation Survivor Justice partners…”
Kushmaul is scheduled for sentencing on May 15. Judge Amy Clapp of the 49th Circuit Court in Osceola County will preside over the proceedings.