Florida man arrested on child molestation charges after 36 years

A 68-year-old Florida man who was wanted for 36 years on child molestation charges was arrested by United States (US) authorities in New York last week.

Joseph Michaels was taken into custody by members of the US Marshals' Regional Fugitive Task Force in Cochection last Wednesday, a statement from the US Marshal Service revealed.

Michaels is wanted by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida on charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years old, sexual battery, and unlawful sexual activity with a child.

The charges have been pending since 1989, more than 36 years ago.

“While this arrest comes decades after the alleged crimes occurred, it represents an important step towards justice,” said Ricky Patel, acting US Marshal for the Southern District of New York.

“Cases involving crimes against children are never forgotten, and our agencies remain committed to pursuing those responsible no matter how much time has passed,” he added.

The US Marshal Service said Hernando County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance last month in locating and apprehending Michaels.

It said during the course of the investigation, US Marshals determined that Michaels had fled Florida and was living in Sullivan County, New York.

Investigators determined that over the past 36 years, Michaels used several assumed names or aliases in an effort to avoid detection.

However, the US Marshal Service said surveillance operations conducted in Cochecton confirmed that he was residing there.

When he was apprehended, Michaels initially gave marshals an alias name before admitting his true identity, the statement claimed.

He is expected to be extradited to Florida to face the charges.

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