U.S. Marshals in NY Capture Suspect Wanted in FL for Sex offenses Against a Minor Dating Back to 1989
New York, NY / March 18, 2026 – Members of the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday morning arrested 68-year-old Joseph Michaels, who was wanted by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12, sexual battery, and unlawful sexual activity with a child. The charges have been pending since 1989, more than 36 years ago.
In February 2026, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service in locating and apprehending Michaels. During the course of the investigation, U.S. Marshals determined that Michaels had fled Florida and was living in Sullivan County, New York. Over the past 36 years, investigators determined that Michaels used several aliases in an effort to avoid detection.
The New York City Police Department and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office assisted investigators by developing information that helped lead to the arrest.
Task force members conducted surveillance operations in Cochecton, New York and were able to confirm that Michaels was in fact there.
Michaels was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Cochecton. Upon initial contact with law enforcement, Michaels attempted to identify himself using an alias but ultimately admitted to his true identity.
“While this arrest comes decades after the alleged crimes occurred, it represents an important step toward justice. Cases involving crimes against children are never forgotten, and our agencies remain committed to pursuing those responsible no matter how much time has passed,” said Ricky Patel, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York.
“Even after more than three decades, this arrest demonstrates that time does not erase the seriousness of crimes committed against children. Our investigators remained committed to ensuring that this individual could no longer evade responsibility, and today’s arrest shows that we will continue to pursue those accused of harming the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Jhovanny Gomez, Commander, U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF).
Michaels is awaiting extradition back to Florida.
The NY/NJ RFTF – Hudson Valley Division is composed of several different agencies across the Hudson Valley, to include the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester County Probation, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Submit tips on fugitives anonymously to the U.S. Marshals at USMS Tips.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov.
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Source: U.S. Marshals Service (usmarshals.gov)
