On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Law&Crime reported that a former New York state judge, Stewart Rosenwasser, tragically took his own life just before federal authorities were set to arrest him in connection with a bribery investigation.

Rosenwasser, who had recently resigned from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, was found dead at his residence in Campbell Hall, New York. Reports indicate that federal agents arrived at his home with a warrant for his arrest on charges including bribery, extortion, and other serious offenses. Local news sources confirmed that there was an exchange of gunfire between Rosenwasser and an FBI agent during the incident.

Rosenwasser served as a judge for seven years from 1999 to 2006, also taking on the role of acting justice for the New York State Supreme Court during that time. After retiring from the bench, he transitioned to various legal roles, including serving as a referee for the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct and leading the Conviction Integrity Unit at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

In November 2023, he was honored as “Arson Prosecutor of the Year,” but his career took a dramatic turn in June 2024 when he unexpectedly resigned from the DA’s office, citing a sudden retirement from the practice of law. This resignation came amid growing scrutiny over his conduct, as allegations surfaced that he had accepted significant bribes from Moutz “Marty” Soudani, a former restaurateur.

The investigation into Rosenwasser’s conduct revealed that he allegedly accepted approximately $63,000 in bribes related to the prosecution of Soudani’s family members. This included the case against Soudani’s sister, Eman Soudani, and her son, Martin Soudani, who faced charges linked to a cryptocurrency scheme. Martin Soudani had previously pleaded guilty to embezzling $1.6 million in 2023, but in light of the allegations against Rosenwasser, he sought to have his conviction overturned and has also pursued legal action.

As the FBI prepared to execute the warrant for his arrest, sources confirmed that Rosenwasser pointed a firearm at agents, prompting one of them to discharge his weapon. However, rather than surrendering, Rosenwasser allegedly shot himself while barricaded inside his home.

At the time of his death, Rosenwasser was known not only for his judicial career but also for his family connections in the legal field. Reports indicate that he had four children, two of whom became attorneys, including a son who also served as a prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

 

 

Source: Law&Crime