March 19, 2026, 11:36 a.m. ET
COCHECTON – A man suspected of molesting a child in the state of Florida more than three decades ago was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force in Sullivan County on March 18.
According to the task force, its members arrested Joseph Michaels, 68, who is wanted by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Florida 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, according to the task force.
In February, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service in locating and apprehending Michaels. The marshals service did not say what prompted that request at this time.
During the course of the investigation, U.S. Marshals determined that Michaels had fled Florida and was living in Sullivan County. 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 Michaels’ arrest.
Task force members conducted surveillance operations in the Town of Cochecton in Sullivan County and were able to confirm that Michaels was in fact there.
Michaels was taken into custody by U.S. marshals on March 18. Upon his 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,” Ricky Patel, acting U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement issued by his office. “Cases involving crimes against children are never forgotten, and our agencies remain committed to pursuing those responsible no matter how much time has passed.”
Michaels is awaiting extradition to Florida. The name of his attorney was not immediately available.
Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.
