Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey announced today that a South Plainfield man, who failed to appear in court in 2002 for sentencing, was arrested yesterday on a fugitive warrant.
Officials say Rayed Bukhari, 42, of South Plainfield was arrested yesterday by FBI Agents of the Newark and New York Divisions, and members of the New York Police Department - Fugitive Task Force at his place of employment in Long Island City, New York.
The defendant was remanded into federal custody after an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Newark.
According to authorities, Bukhari was previously found guilty by a jury in November 2001, of sexual assault, criminal restraint, unlawful possession of a weapon, and false imprisonment. Bukhari failed to appear for his sentencing at Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick on May 28, 2002 and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He had been a fugitive since 2002.
“I applaud the diligent efforts of the law enforcement officers that led to the safe capture of this fugitive, including those from the Newark and New York Divisions of the FBI, the New York Police Department, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey
“Furthermore, I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey for their assistance in this matter,” Prosecutor Carey said.
Officials say Bukhari was arrested on September 9, 2000 for sexually assaulting the victim who was known to him. The defendant was also found to be in possession of a sword.