Breaking News: Fugitive Behind Sullivan County Crime Wave Extradited!
A 42-year-old man from Port Jervis, Joseph Michael Flood, was extradited to Sullivan County on Thursday, Nov. 7, after failing to attend his court appearance in 2023.
The crime spree he was involved in led to several charges, and authorities were looking for him for quite some time, said Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty.
Flood was picked up from the Morris County Jail in New Jersey, where he had been held after his arrest by New Jersey State Police.
Flood was scheduled to appear in Sullivan County Court for sentencing on Dec. 23, 2023. However, he skipped town before the hearing, making him a fugitive.
His conviction includes felony charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and fleeing from a police officer.
The charges stem from an incident in August 2022, when Flood hit a Sheriff’s detective’s car and led deputies on a 25-mile chase.
In addition to these charges, Flood is wanted by both the New York State Police in Wurtsboro and the Port Jervis City Police due to outstanding warrants.
After being arraigned, he was sent to Sullivan County Jail in Fallsburg without bail, awaiting sentencing for his original crimes.
Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff commented on the case, suggesting that Flood’s extensive criminal history and the nature of his crimes provide strong reasons to reconsider bail reform laws.
Flood’s criminal activity and flight from justice highlight the difficulties of managing repeat offenders under the current system.