Ex-MSU player Robertson to return to face charges

Former Michigan State football player Auston Robertson was detained in Fort Wayne, Indiana, over the weekend by U.S. Marshals and is facing extradition to Michigan where he will face third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshal’s office in Grand Rapids said Robertson was apprehended without incident with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department.

Robertson, who was detained Saturday, waived his right to an extradition hearing Monday in Allen County Superior Court and is awaiting transport back to Michigan for arraignment.

The former defensive end, who was dismissed from the team by coach Mark Dantonio, is accused of assaulting a women in her apartment on April 9. The Meridian Township Police, which has been conducting the investigation, said in a statement on Monday afternoon that the extradition process had begun but there was no timetable on when Robertson would be back in Michigan.

Charges were brought on Friday after a hearing in 55th District Court. Meridian Township Police conducted the investigation and by Friday evening had posted on their website they were still attempting to apprehend Robertson, a native of Fort Wayne who had told detectives he was back in his home state.

Bond for Robertson was requested at $75,000 after Meridian Township Police said he could be a flight risk and also mentioned his past record.

In January of 2016, Robertson faced a misdemeanor battery charge after an incident at his high school and entered a diversionary program. It delayed his signing with Michigan State until March 30, and at that time, Dantonio said the situation had been “evaluated over the last three months while utilizing all resources available to us.”

“Given all the information available to us,” Dantonio said, “we believe Auston should be provided with an opportunity to begin his education and playing career at Michigan State.”

The 19-year-old Robertson was a defensive end who played in seven games as a freshman in 2016 and played extensively in the spring game on April 1.

matt.charboneau@detroitnews.com

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