WATCH: A convicted sex offender who fled to the U.S. from Canada two years ago is now accused of rape and robbery. Catherine Urquhart has more on his history and the charges he’s facing.
VANCOUVER — A high-risk sex offender who was the subject of a manhunt across Saskatchewan and Alberta has been arrested and charged with rape in Washington State.
Michael Stanley, 49, was on the run after cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet in Lloydminster on Oct. 1, 2013.
Later in October, Stanley crossed from B.C. into the U.S and has been living on the streets in King County since then.
On Feb. 28, 2015, the King County Sheriff’s Department says Stanley was arrested for an investigation of a Feb. 27 burglary and rape. It is alleged he entered the 69-year-old victim’s home through a window and confronted her. No weapon was used in the attack and police say she sustained minor injuries.
“Following the rape, the suspect fled on foot,” said Sgt. B.J. Myers, with the King County Sheriff’s office. “The victim… was able to lead us to and identify Michael Stanley who has been living sort of homeless in that neighbourhood for the last year and a half.
“The victim knew Stanley from around the neighbourhood,” said Myers.
Originally, it was believed Stanley would make his first court appearance on Monday. However, the prosecutor told police they intended to file charges on Monday so Stanley wasn’t required to appear in court.
The prosecuting attorney’s office in Kent, Washington said Stanley had been charged with rape in the second degree and burglary in the first degree.
A $1 million bond has been requested and Stanley’s arraignment has been set for March 16 in Seattle.
Myers said Stanley had been complying with weekly check-ins with law enforcement officials. He is now in custody in the Regional Justice Centre in Kent.
A spokesperson for Alberta Justice said “we’re not in a position to comment on this case as it’s before the courts. As for the decision not to extradite, that’s federal jurisdiction.”
“This could have been prevented,” said Wildrose justice critic Shane Saskiw. ”
“If we had locked him in jail, this tragedy would have been prevented.
“At a basic minimum, when someone breaks our laws in our country they should face consequences and punishment,” Saskiw added. “It shouldn’t matter that they snuck off to another country.”
READ MORE: High-risk sex offender Michael Stanley speaks after fleeing Canada
When he crossed into the U.S. a warrant was issued, but Canada chose not to extradite Stanley, who is an American citizen. Stanley registered with the King County Sheriff’s Office and was classified as a Level III sex offender in November, 2013.
Registered sex offender classifications are an assessment of the person’s conviction data and indicate likelihood to re-offend. Offenders are given a score of I, II, or III. Level III are considered most likely to re-offend.
Police say since Stanley registered with them he has been in compliance with his Level III requirements. Regardless of level, homeless sex offenders are required to check in weekly and must provide an account of where they stay each night.
READ MORE: High-risk sex offender Michael Stanley found in Seattle
Before crossing the border, Stanley had been living in Edmonton after serving a 32-month jail term for assault and forcible confinement.
A number of schools in Saskatchewan were locked-down or placed in “hold and secure” after numerous unconfirmed sightings of Stanley after he cut-off his bracelet.
Stanley has a long criminal history of violent and sexual crimes on both sides of the border and has been known to take children from playgrounds.
Alberta Justice was criticized after announcing it would not seek Stanley’s extradition back to Canada because the breach of recognizance, mischief and driving charges he faces north of the border don’t involve violence. Click here to view the full Alberta Justice statement.
The Opposition Wildrose party said the Alberta government should do everything it can to bring a convicted sex offender back to Canada.
“I implore Minister Denis to do everything in his power to bring this guy back to Alberta,” said Saskiw on Oct. 17, 2013.
Stanley’s criminal record in Canada dates back to 1987 and has included the sexual assault of children and an elderly woman. He was being monitored by police under a peace bond with conditions, including one ordering him to stay away from children.
WATCH: High-risk sex offender Michael Stanley has connections to Edmonton. Jessica Kent reports.
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