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 those involving the exploitation of minors,” said Nicholas Ricigliano, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey.
Authorities located Farkas in Lakewood following a joint investigation involving HSI Newark, HSI Los Angeles, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Custody and Court Proceedings
Farkas is expected to make his initial appearance at the Clarkson S. Fisher U.S. Courthouse in Trenton as extradition proceedings move forward.
Officials say the case will be handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey along with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting New Jersey by enhancing border security and ensuring the United States does not become a haven for criminal fugitives,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy.
He added that authorities “proactively identify individuals who threaten public safety and diligently pursue justice for those accused of serious indecent acts against minors.”
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Key Points
• 43-year-old Lakewood man arrested on April 17 in international child sex crimes case
• Israeli authorities accuse him of attempted rape and indecent acts involving minors
• U.S. officials initiated extradition process following arrest warrant and treaty request
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Timeline Differences Across Agencies
Authorities reported slightly different custody dates, with federal officials stating Farkas was arrested April 17, while the U.S. Marshals Service noted he was taken into custody on April 16. Both accounts confirm the arrest occurred in Lakewood without incident.
The allegations span multiple years, with ICE officials citing incidents between 2020 and 2025, while the U.S. Marshals reference conduct between 2020 and 2023.
Despite those differences, both agencies confirm the same core charges and extradition request from Israel.
Broader Enforcement Context
The arrest highlights ongoing collaboration between U.S. and international law enforcement agencies in tracking fugitives accused of crimes involving minors.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, its fugitive task forces arrested more than 73,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 88,000 warrants in 2025, reflecting the scale of operations that support cases like this one.
The joint task force involved in this arrest operates across New Jersey and neighboring regions, focusing on high-priority fugitives and cross-border cases.
What Happens Next
Farkas remains in federal custody as the extradition process moves forward through the courts. A judge will determine whether the legal requirements are met to transfer him to Israel to face prosecution.
The case is ongoing, and no final decision on extradition has been announced.
