A man who had been on the run in Europe for three years after being accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 has been extradited to the U.S., as per media reports. Ian Cleary, 31, was detained following a lengthy search. The Court of Appeal in Metz, France ruled on Monday to allow his extradition to the U.S., reported by the Associated Press. The extradition order was finalized by the French Justice Ministry, enabling Cleary’s transfer to U.S. custody at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, according to the New York Times. Cleary was then moved to Adams County in Pennsylvania, where he appeared in front of a judge and was denied bail due to being considered a flight risk. A hearing for Cleary is scheduled for Jan. 29.
Cleary had evaded the charges for three years before being captured in April while living as a “homeless transient” in France, as disclosed by Gettysburg Police Detective Chris Evans. Facing felony sexual assault charges, Cleary, originally from Saratoga, California, was reported to the police by the victim, former Gettysburg College student Shannon Keeler. The incident occurred on Dec. 15, 2013, as detailed in an arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY. Keeler had encountered Cleary at a party, where his behavior made her uncomfortable. Later that night, Cleary followed Keeler as she walked back to her dorm, eventually entering her room and assaulting her despite her protests.
Keeler promptly reported the assault to the authorities and underwent a rape examination the following day. However, charges were not filed until eight years later when Cleary attempted to contact Keeler on Facebook. Keeler then notified the Adams County District Attorney’s Office about the messages she received from Cleary, leading to charges being pressed against him. The messages revealed Cleary’s unsettling behavior and his attempt to interact with Keeler despite the past incident.
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