NJ Man Wanted in Israel for Serious Sexual Offenses Arrested by U.S. Marshals and Homeland Security Investigators in Lakewood, NJ

Newark, NJ – U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force have arrested a fugitive in Lakewood, NJ, whom Israeli authorities seek to prosecute for attempted rape and indecent acts involving minor victims based on acts committed in Israel between 2020 and 2023. Pursuant to the U.S.-Israel extradition treaty, the Government of Israel requested provisional arrest with a view toward extradition, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey sought and obtained a provisional arrest warrant in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Following an investigation and coordination between international and U.S. law enforcement agencies, Yechiel Yehoshua Farkas, aka Yechiel Farkas, 43, was located in Lakewood. On April 16, 2026 , the fugitive was taken into custody without incident by members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations special agents.

“This arrest reflects the strength of international cooperation in pursing individuals accused of serious crimes, especially those involving the exploitation of minors,” said Nicholas Ricigliano, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey.

Farkhash is expected to have his initial appearance today at the Clarkson S. Fisher U.S. Federal Courthouse in Trenton.

The extradition matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

The U.S. Marshals have a long history of providing assistance and expertise to other law enforcement agencies in support of fugitive investigations. The success of U.S. Marshals task force initiatives, combined with the outstanding relationships forged with other law enforcement agencies, has led to the formation of permanent fugitive task forces, as well as ad-hoc task forces in response to unique cases that pose immediate threat to the public.

In 2025, U.S. Marshals Service-led fugitive task forces arrested over 73,000 federal, state and local fugitives and cleared nearly 88,000 warrants.