Arrest at JFK Airport
NEW WINDSOR – A fugitive from the Philippines, wanted in connection with a rape case in New Windsor, was taken into custody Friday at John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport in Queens. Authorities confirmed that 46-year-old Dominic Mamaat was arrested upon arrival after being deported from the Philippines.
The operation was carried out by the New Windsor Police Department, the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force (HVSSTF), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Officials said Mamaat was immediately transported to Orange County Jail, where he is being held pending arraignment in Orange County Court.
Background of the Case
Mamaat’s legal troubles began in May 2020, when he was arrested and charged by the New Windsor Police Department. Three months later, prosecutors with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office presented the case to a grand jury, which resulted in an indictment on multiple charges.
The indictment included:
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Rape
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Criminal sexual act
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Sexual abuse
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Endangering the welfare of a child
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Forcible touching
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Attempted assault
Following these developments, Mamaat was scheduled to face court proceedings.
Escape to the Philippines
Instead of standing trial, Mamaat fled the country in mid-2020. Investigators later discovered that he used his twin brother’s passport to board a one-way flight to the Philippines. For several years, he managed to avoid arrest while residing in the country illegally.
His disappearance prompted U.S. authorities to escalate the search. The FBI joined the investigation, securing an INTERPOL Red Notice against Mamaat, which placed him on an international wanted list.
International Cooperation
The case quickly evolved into a multi-agency, cross-border pursuit. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Task Force took the lead in locating the fugitive. Once identified, Mamaat was detained by Philippine authorities.
He was subsequently deported back to the United States under the terms of the INTERPOL Red Notice. Upon his arrival at JFK Airport, federal and local authorities executed the outstanding Orange County Court warrant and took him into custody without incident.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Local leaders and law enforcement agencies have praised the outcome of this long-running case. New Windsor Supervisor Stephen Bedetti publicly commended the coordinated efforts that led to Mamaat’s capture.
“On behalf of the Town of New Windsor, I would like to commend the outstanding dedication, coordination, and tireless efforts of all the agencies involved in the successful apprehension and return of Dominic Mamaat to face justice,” Bedetti said.
He emphasized that the case highlights the power of international collaboration and the shared commitment to protecting communities. “This case represents years of collaborative law enforcement work across international borders, and its resolution is a testament to the commitment of all involved to upholding the rule of law,” he added.
What Comes Next
Mamaat is currently being held at the Orange County Jail. His upcoming arraignment in Orange County Court will determine how the case proceeds. If convicted, he faces significant prison time given the seriousness of the charges.
Authorities have also indicated that additional investigations may focus on how Mamaat obtained and used his twin brother’s passport to leave the United States undetected.
Broader Significance
The case underscores the challenges law enforcement agencies face when fugitives cross international borders. Without the combined efforts of the New Windsor Police Department, federal agencies, INTERPOL, and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, officials say it is unlikely Mamaat would have been returned to the U.S. to face trial.
For the New Windsor community, the arrest represents a measure of closure and accountability in a case that began more than five years ago.
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