International Fugitive Arrested in Lakewood: Man Accused of Crimes Against Children in Israel Nabbed by U.S. Marshals

Newark, NJ – A 43-year-old Lakewood resident accused of sex crimes against children in Israel is now in federal custody after U.S. authorities arrested him in New Jersey earlier this month as part of an international investigation. Yechiel Yehoshua Farkas was taken into custody without incident on April 17 in Lakewood by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark and the U.S. Marshals Service’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Israeli authorities are seeking to prosecute him for alleged attempted rape and indecent acts involving minors tied to incidents between 2020 and 2025. The arrest follows coordination between U.S. and Israeli officials under an active extradition request. International Case Leads to New Jersey Arrest The case began when Israeli authorities notified U.S. law enforcement that Farkas was wanted in connection with alleged crimes involving children. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Magistrate’s Court on December 10, 2025. Under the U.S.-Israel extradition treaty, Israel requested a provisional arrest while preparing formal extradition proceedings. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey then secured a corresponding warrant in federal court. “This arrest reflects the strength of international cooperation in pursuing individuals accused of serious crimes, especially