A former Hillsdale County man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young relative over a period of four years.
On Thursday, a Hillsdale County Circuit Court Jury found 60-year-old Vincent Payne, of Valrico, Florida, guilty of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
He faces up to life in prison when he’s sentenced on March 2nd. Payne was extradited to Hillsdale County last year by the U.S. Marshals Service as part of Operation Survivor Justice. The initiative is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals to find and return fugitives wanted for sexual assault.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Payne committed the assaults while living in the same home as the victim, who was under the age of 15 at the time. The crimes occurred between 2004 and 2008. Payne was initially charged in January 2010.
Attorney General Dana Nessel thanked Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Wisniewski and her staff for their work in bringing Payne to justice.