Michigan man who fled state after 2021 sex assault charged

A northern Michigan man who fled to Florida after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in 2021 has been charged, state police said Thursday.

Colton Jarod Meeker, 28, of Central Lake, was arraigned Wednesday through 86th District Court in Traverse City on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and being a three-time habitual offender, officials said.

A judge ordered him held without bond at the Antrim County Jail and scheduled his next court hearing for May 1.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison for the criminal sexual conduct charge and up to life for being a three-time habitual offender.

Troopers began investigating the allegations against Meeker in September 2021 after they were called to a hospital in Charlevoix to respond to a sexual assault complaint, state police said.

The victim told them Meeker sexually assaulted her while she was camping with friends in Antrim County, officials reported.

Once she was released from the hospital, she took troopers to the scene of the alleged crime and they collected evidence. Authorities said they collected clothing and a blanket.

After a lengthy investigation, authorities could not find and interview Meeker. They learned he left the state after the alleged incident, police said.

Detectives submitted their findings to the county prosecutor's office, which issued an arrest warrant for Meeker in June 2023.

Officials said U.S. Marshals arrested Meeker in Florida on March 19.

He was extradited to Michigan on Tuesday and lodged at the Antrim County Jail.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez