Bail set at $2M for Lynn Top 10 fugitive

LYNN – A man charged with raping his 13-year-old stepdaughter in 2000 was ordered held on $2 million bail Monday by District Court Judge Michael Lauranzano.Victor Cruz, 41, has spent most of the decade on the Police Department’s 10 Most Wanted list after fleeing to the Dominican Republic in January 2001. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents tracked Cruz down and brought him back to the U.S. last Saturday.Cruz, whose last known addresses were at 32 Deer Park and 22 Bassett St., pleaded innocent to rape of a child with force and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 in District Court on Monday. He was ordered held in the Essex County House of Correction in Middleton.According to court records, Cruz’ 13-year-old stepdaughter told her mother Cruz assaulted her on Dec. 31, 2000. The woman told Cruz she was going to the police and arrest warrants were issued for him after he left the U.S. a month later.Court records indicate the victim and her mother are prepared to testify against Cruz. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 1.