After 15-Year Manhunt, Rape Suspect Extradited From Israel

DORMONT, PA - Fifteen years after fleeing the country after being arrested for an alleged sexual assault in Dormont, a man has been extradited from Israel to face the charges.

The FBI’s Pittsburgh office announced that special agents with the bureau’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Allegheny County Sheriff’s office, working with the FBI’s office in Tel Aviv, traveled to Israel and returned with Moshe Journo.

In September 2004, Journo was arrested for the alleged assault. He fled the country after posting bond and was charged with rape in May 2006.

In 2006, FBI Pittsburgh obtained an unlawful flight to avoid prosecution warrant and eventually learned that Journo, who is of Israeli descent, was in Israel. In December 2017, he was arrested and detained by Israeli authorities on the rape charge and eventually exhausted his extradition appeals.

“The FBI remains steadfast in searching for individuals trying to avoid prosecution,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “This case is an excellent example of how teamwork among local and international law enforcement agencies, including the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police and Dormont Police are vital to ensuring criminals are tracked down and prosecuted. We will use all of our resources to find you.”

Journo is in custody in the Allegheny County Jail.

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