HILLSDALE COUNTY, MI – A Florida man accused of sexually assaulting a teenager in Hillsdale 18 years ago is back in Michigan to face felony charges.

Vincent Allen Payne was arraigned Wednesday, May 21, on sexual assault charges after being extradited from Florida with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Friday, May 23.

Payne, 60, is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old relative in his Hillsdale home in November of 2007. Charges were filed in 2010, but Payne could not be located, records show.

He faces a single count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, a charge punishable by up to life in prison.

“Sexual assaults are serious crimes that leave lasting trauma, and it takes tremendous courage for survivors to come forward, especially after so many years,” Nessel said. “I remain committed to working with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and other county prosecutors across the state to ensure that those charged with criminal sexual conduct offenses face their allegations in court.”

Payne’s next court hearing is scheduled for May 28 in Hillsdale District Court, records show, and he remains in jail with bond set at $500,000.

The search for Payne and his extradition was part of Operation Survivor Justice , a program launched by Nessel’s office in August of 2024.

The program is a partnership between the AG’s Office, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Its goal is to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.

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