Wanted Bridgman fugitive arrested in Mexico

Published 9:38 am Wednesday, February 5, 2020

NORTHWEST MEXICO — A former Bridgman man charged with criminal sexual conduct and accosting a minor in 2015 was caught in Mexico thanks to a coordinated effort.

The Michigan State Police announced William Troy Stanson’s arrest Wednesday morning. The arrest was in cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and Mexico.

Pictured is William Troy Stanson. (Submitted photo)

Stanson’s arrest comes days after he was featured on the television show “In Pursuit with John Walsh” on Investigative Discovery Network. Tips came in hours after the show aired that directly led to the Stanson’s location in Mexico and his arrest.

Once it was determined Stanson was out of the country, the St. Joseph, Michigan, Federal Bureau of Investigation office was contacted. Coordinated efforts leading to the location and arrest of Stanson were undertaken.

The FBI obtained an Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant and requested assistance from their Mexico law enforcement partners in Baja California, Mexico.

Stanson has been on the run since 2015 after being charged with first degree sexual assault of a minor, investigated by the Michigan State Police Niles Post, and accosting a minor, investigated by Bridgman Police Department, respectively.

On Feb. 4, 2020, William Troy Stanson, 53, was taken into custody by Mexican authorities, Guardia Eststal de Seguridad of Baja California.

Law enforcement would also like to thank the family of the victims for their assistance and cooperation throughout this investigation, said Michigan State Police staff.

As of Wednesday morning, Stanson has been extradited to United States and will be transported to Berrien County. Michigan State Police staff said he is expected to face charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree and failure to appear for sentencing on the original charge of accosting a minor.