The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that a 40-year-old man has been extradited from Texas to Mecosta County to face charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Freddie Patterson was transported by the U.S. Marshals Service on Thursday, Oct. 15, to the Mecosta County Jail. He was arraigned the following day in the 77th District Court on the charge and is being held without bond.

According to the department, the case stems from an investigation originally reported in 2021. Investigators have been working since 2024 to locate and extradite Patterson, who had been incarcerated in a Texas prison on unrelated charges.

"The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety would like to thank the Mecosta County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and United States Marshals Service for their assistance and cooperation throughout the extradition process," Big Rapids DPS said. "The charges referenced are allegations, and Patterson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."

_{Release information courtesy of the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.}