NEW YORK – A man wanted by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has been nabbed in Cochecton where he has been living, the US Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force announced Wednesday.
Joseph Michaels, 68, was wanted on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under the age of 12, sexual battery, and unlawful sexual activity with a child.
The charges have been pending since 1989, more than 36 years ago.
In February of this year, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the US Marshal’s Service in locating and capturing Michaels.
It was learned through investigation that he fled Florida and was living in Sullivan County, where he had used several aliases to avoid being caught.
When he was taken into custody, Michaels gave officers an alias but ultimately admitted his true identity.
“Even after more than three decades, this arrest demonstrates that time does not erase the seriousness of crimes committed against children,” said Jhovanny Gomez, commander of the Marshals regional task force.
Michaels is now awaiting extradition back to Florida.
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