Botetourt Sheriff’s Office releases new details on fugitive arrested in Mexico

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office has released new details in the investigation leading to the arrest of a man who was wanted on several charges and fled to Mexico.

The Sheriff’s Office says on Sept. 7, 2023, deputies were notified of a minor who was sexually battered. During the investigation, detectives gathered evidence leading to the identification of Michael D. Hightower, Jr. as the suspect.

On Oct. 22, 2023, detectives presented the evidence they gathered to a grand jury, which resulted in the indictment of Hightower, Jr. on several charges.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man wanted for aggravated sexual battery in Botetourt County arrested in Mexico

Indictments were issued for four counts of aggravated sexual battery for his arrest.

As the search for him continued, deputies said they learned that Hightower Jr. fled to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Investigators also learned that Hightower Jr. also had connections in the country.

However, with the help of numerous agencies including the U.S. Marshal Service, Board Patrol, Homeland Security, and Mexico State Police, Hightower Jr. was successfully taken into custody on March 27.

“This arrest right here exemplifies the commitment of our officers and the federal partnership that we have with the task force to ensure that these individuals are brought to justice, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” said Sheriff Matthew Ward of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, during the press conference.

This is an ongoing investigation.

WFXR News will continue to follow this story and update you with information as more information is released.

Watch the full press conference from April 19 here:

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