BREAKING: Mount Pleasant man charged with molestation of stepdaughter after out-of-state arrest
A Mount Pleasant man has been arrested and arraigned on four counts of criminal sexual conduct from incidents dating back to June.
Timothy Paul Lancaster, 24, was charged with two counts of first-degree CSC and two counts of second-degree CSC after he allegedly assaulted his stepdaughter, who is a minor. The incidents took place on South Bradley Road in Union Township.
The Michigan State Police Mount Pleasant Post initially received the complaint on June 15 from the Department of Human Services, said Sgt. David Hampton. An interview with the victim and her mother indicated Lancaster had abused the victim.
Lancaster fled the area and eventually the state after a warrant was filed by the prosecutor's office, but was found in South Carolina by the Third District Fugitive Team at the end of October.
"I think the suspect caught wind we were looking for him and he fled the state," Hampton said.
Hampton said there were multiple incidents involving Lancaster and the victim, prompting the prosecutor's office to press multiple charges.
Lancaster spent between three and four months in South Carolina, Hampton said.
The MSP had difficulties locating Lancaster because they did not have much information to work from.
"We tried to locate the suspect and were unable because he left the Mount Pleasant area and had no permanent home address," Hampton said.
Hampton said efforts to find Lancaster were spearheaded by the fugitive team and he waived extradition upon his arrest.
He is due in Isabella County Trial Court Dec. 7 for a pre-trial hearing.
