Retired NY Judge’s Shocking Death Linked to FBI Arrest

FBI agent holding a gun behind the back.

A retired New York judge takes his own life as FBI agents arrive to arrest him on corruption charges, leaving a trail of bribery allegations and unanswered questions.

At a Glance

Stewart Rosenwasser, 72, former Orange County judge and prosecutor, died during an FBI arrest attempt
Rosenwasser was indicted for allegedly accepting $63,000 in bribes to influence a case
FBI is reviewing an agent-involved shooting incident during the arrest attempt
Court documents reveal checks, money orders, and incriminating text messages

Tragic End for Former Judge

Stewart Rosenwasser, a retired New York state judge and former prosecutor, met a shocking end Tuesday morning at his Campbell Hall residence. As FBI agents arrived to arrest him on corruption charges, Rosenwasser allegedly took his own life, concluding a distinguished legal career in disgrace. The 72-year-old was facing serious allegations of accepting bribes to influence the outcome of a case in favor of a longtime associate.

The incident unfolded dramatically when Rosenwasser allegedly pointed a gun at an FBI agent, prompting the agent to fire a shot. Following this confrontation, Rosenwasser barricaded himself inside his home, where he is believed to have fatally shot himself. This tragic sequence of events occurred just one day after Rosenwasser had been formally indicted on bribery charges by a federal grand jury.

Bribery Scandal Unveiled

The indictment against Rosenwasser painted a damning picture of corruption within the judicial system. He was accused of accepting $63,000 in bribes over nearly two years from Mout’z Soudani, a co-defendant in the case. These payments were allegedly made in exchange for Rosenwasser’s efforts to fabricate an embezzlement case while serving as a prosecutor.

“I’m putting maximum effort into this. We will utilize all available assets.”

Court documents revealed a paper trail of checks and money orders, many marked as “loans,” linking Rosenwasser to the scandal. Text messages between Rosenwasser and Soudani further implicated the former judge, with promises of protection and assistance.

FBI Investigation and Aftermath

The FBI’s Inspection Division is now conducting a review of the agent-involved shooting, as is standard procedure in such cases. The Southern District of New York prosecutors have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, leaving many questions unanswered about the exact circumstances of Rosenwasser’s death.

“The FBI released a statement to USA TODAY simply saying that the agency’s Inspection Division was ‘reviewing an agent-involved shooting,’ as is bureau policy.”

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Rosenwasser’s former boss, expressed his condolences, stating, “It’s truly heartbreaking that it ended this way. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.” This sentiment reflects the shock and sadness felt by many in the legal community who had known and worked with Rosenwasser over his long career.

A Career in Ruins

Rosenwasser’s fall from grace was swift and severe. He had abruptly resigned from the Orange County District Attorney’s office in June, a move that now appears to have been related to the ongoing investigation. The allegations against him, if proven true, would represent a significant breach of trust and abuse of power within the judicial system.

As the community grapples with the implications of this scandal, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in public service, especially within the justice system. The case against Rosenwasser, though now closed due to his death, raises serious questions about oversight and accountability in the legal profession.