Moshe Journo extradited to the US found guilty of rape

An Israeli man was convicted of rape on Thursday by a court in Pittsburgh after being extradited from Israel, where he hid since 2004, Trib Live news reported.

Moshe Journo, who operated a store in the Pittsburgh area, was initially arrested in 2004 on charges of sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl, and later charged with rape, aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault and indecent assault.

The victim testified during the trial and recalled visiting Journo's store with her friend, where he made lewd comments towards the girls. In a tanning room at the store, Journo approached the victim from behind and raped her. He was later arrested on the same day and posted bond.

Upon criminal preliminary hearings, Journo fled to Israel, and was not taken into custody by Israeli police until 2017. Journo was extradited to the United States in 2019.

He reportedly pleaded guilty to counts against him, but withdrew his plea months prior to sentencing.

In November, Journo's case went to trial, but ended in a mistrial after his lawyer said Journo had initially pleaded guilty.