A man wanted in the United States to face charges over an alleged serious sexual assault has reportedly been spotted camping at beachfront sites in Ballina and Byron Bay.

Highly trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor Izaak Michell, originally from Adelaide, is wanted in Hays County, Texas, over an alleged sexual assault matter.

The 27-year-old has not been convicted of any offence.

The reported sightings have raised concerns among some local women and residents because Michell has allegedly been staying around popular coastal camping and beach areas used by families, surfers, walkers and van travellers.

However, US authorities say there is currently little Australian police can do because Michell is effectively a free man unless he returns to the United States.

Recent reports provided to Ballina News Daily place Michell at North Wall in Ballina, Broken Head, Suffolk Park and Byron Bay.

He is believed to be travelling in a Suzuki van with Queensland number plates.

Texas Hays County Public Information Officer Deputy B. Cuadros confirmed the warrant for Michell remains active in the US.

However, Deputy Cuadros said the local District Attorney’s Office had decided not to pursue the international extradition.

“The Hays County District Attorney’s Office has decided not to pursue international extradition for Michell; at this time if Michell was to be encountered by law enforcement within the United States he would be subject to arrest, as his extradition is limited to within the US,” he said.

Ballina News Daily understands the decision not to pursue international extradition is linked to resourcing issues, although Hays County has not confirmed the reason.

Mr Michell has almost 50,000 followers on Instagram, and the poster describing him as “most wanted” published by Hays County police has been distributed widely across social media.

The professional Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) fighter left the United States in December 2025, just prior to a warrant being issued for his arrest.

Deputy Cuadros also confirmed a US Crime Stoppers reward remains on offer for information leading to Michell’s arrest within the extraditable limits of the United States.

He said Australian authorities had contacted Hays County after members of the public reported sightings here and on the Gold Coast, but there were “no actionable steps at this time” because the extradition was not being pursued.

The practical effect is that Michell would be subject to arrest if he re-entered the United States, but the current warrant does not provide Australian authorities with grounds to arrest him.

For that reason, Ballina News Daily is not encouraging members of the public to approach, follow or track Michell.

Michell is a professional Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor who has competed internationally and was widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading grapplers.

He won a brown belt world title in 2021 before moving into higher-level professional competition.

A Hays County Crime Stoppers “Most Wanted” notice warned members of the public not to attempt to apprehend Michell themselves because he is considered a martial arts expert.

The notice offered a reward of up to US$1,000 for information leading directly to his arrest or indictment.

Professional Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete Hannah Griffith has publicly identified herself in relation to the allegation and said she chose to speak out to warn and support other women.

“I feel morally obligated to share what happened to me,” Griffith wrote in a post on Instagram,” she said.

“Not for attention, but because silence allows harmful behaviour to continue.”

Hannah Griffith said coming forward has been incredibly difficult as the alleged person responsible is well known and respected in the team and community.

Griffith said she hoped speaking publicly could help other women.

“If my voice can protect even one woman from experiencing what I went through, then I cannot stay quiet,” she wrote.

Following the public allegations, media reports said Michell was removed from his training affiliation and stripped of a light heavyweight title by the sport’s governing body.

Ballina News Daily does not suggest Michell is guilty, only that allegations have been made and US authorities want him to return to face the charge.