Man extradited from Mexico 5 years after allegedly sexually abusing girls and giving them methamphetamine

BRANCH COUNTY, MI – A man extradited from Mexico is facing trial on charges he sexually abused young girls and gave them methamphetamine.

Anthony Cuyler, 46, was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Branch County District Court on Thursday, July 18.

He is charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse (a potentially life offense), as well as delivery of methamphetamine to a minor, possession of methamphetamine and possession of ammunition as a felon, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.

Cuyler was charged in 2019 by the Branch County District Attorney’s Office with assaulting two girls, ages 11 and 12, and giving them methamphetamine.

Cuyler fled and evaded capture until he was found in Mexico, authorities said. He was returned to Branch County by the U.S. Marshals Service last month.

District Judge Brent Weigle, after a preliminary review, ordered Cuyler’s case transferred to district court.

“Victims of sexual assault have a right to have their abusers brought to justice. In some cases, this requires extraordinary and unusual efforts,” Nessel said.

“I am grateful to local law enforcement, Branch County prosecutors, and especially the U.S. Marshals Service for bringing this man home to face criminal responsibility. Without their commitment to apprehending the defendants of unsolved sex crimes, Mr. Cuyler would likely still be in Mexico, not awaiting a trial date in District Court as he is today.”

Her office will lead the prosecution.