After nearly two decades of evading authorities, a Texas man accused of child sexual abuse is finally in custody. Anthony Rae, 49, initially arrested in Val Alstyne in 2003 on multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child, skipped bail in 2004 and vanished, eluding capture for almost 20 years.
In 2018, the Grayson County District Attorney's office, leveraging advancements in investigative technology, reignited their search for Rae. Their efforts led to the discovery of Rae living in Great Britain under the alias Tony Campbell. A collaborative international task force, which included a Grayson County investigator, apprehended Rae in Scotland in 2020. However, Rae's extradition was delayed by three years due to legal challenges asserting that Texas prisons failed to meet international human rights standards, citing concerns about inmate housing, care, and overall safety.
Despite these legal hurdles, Rae was ultimately extradited back to the United States and booked into the Grayson County Jail on Saturday. District Attorney Brett Smith expressed his commitment to pursuing justice for the victim, emphasizing that the lengthy delay will not impede the pursuit of a fair trial. The victim, who was reportedly overwhelmed with relief upon learning of Rae's capture, expressed gratitude that the case had not been forgotten.
This case underscores the dedication of law enforcement to pursuing justice for victims, regardless of the time elapsed or the complexities involved in international extradition. Special Agent In-Charge with Homeland Security Investigations, Lester Hayes, commended the investigators' persistence and attention to detail, which ultimately allowed for Rae's return to face the charges against him. District Attorney Smith aims to expedite the trial process, ensuring that justice, although delayed, will be served.
