Stewart Rosenwasser, a retired judge from New York, took his own life during an FBI raid at his home in Campbell Hall, New York on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
The FBI had arrived to apprehend Rosenwasser in relation to federal corruption and bribery charges that emerged during his tenure at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The judge’s death followed a gunfight with law enforcement, abruptly concluding a federal probe that had lasted several months and exposed allegations of misconduct.
Rosenwasser, aged 71, had been investigated for purportedly receiving bribes from a wealthy ex-restaurant owner, Moutz Soudani. The federal case against him alleged that he accepted $63,000 in payments to exploit his role as chief counsel at the District Attorney’s Office, initiating criminal investigations against Soudani’s relatives, Martin and Eman Soudani. These individuals were reportedly engaged in personal conflicts with Soudani, who sought Rosenwasser’s interference.
The indictment indicated that the bribe payments started in 2022, mainly through checks and money orders. Rosenwasser, in return, allegedly kept Soudani updated on the investigation. “The indictment alleges that Rosenwasser accepted at least $63,000 in bribe payments,” reported NBC New York.
On the raid’s morning, FBI agents approached Rosenwasser’s home for his arrest. Law enforcement reports indicate that the former judge aimed a gun at the agents, leading to at least one shot being fired. It remains uncertain whether Rosenwasser was injured at that point. After the initial encounter, Rosenwasser locked himself in his home, where he is believed to have taken his own life. “As this is an ongoing matter, we have no further details to provide,” stated the FBI.
Rosenwasser’s death occurred a day after a grand jury indicted him on charges of bribery, extortion, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and making false statements. The indictment suggested that Rosenwasser conspired with Soudani to unjustly target his family members through prosecution while serving in his official capacity. This led to Rosenwasser’s resignation from the District Attorney’s Office in June 2024, months before the federal indictment was publicly released.
“It’s truly heartbreaking that it ended this way,” remarked Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”
Despite receiving commendations for his legal work, Rosenwasser’s legacy is now tainted by corruption allegations. He held several high-profile positions within the Orange County legal system during his decades-long career, serving as a prosecutor, a judge, and the executive assistant district attorney. He received awards like the “Arson Prosecutor of the Year” award in 2023 for his contributions to the legal community. However, federal investigators claimed that behind his professional achievements was a pattern of misconduct, including using his position for financial benefit.
Following the raid’s events, the FBI’s internal Inspection Division is conducting a review, in line with the agency’s policy whenever an agent discharges a weapon.
Rosenwasser’s indictment forms part of a wider investigation into corruption within the Orange County justice system. Prosecutors claim that Rosenwasser utilized his office to advance personal relationships. Soudani, his co-defendant in the case, also faces charges for his involvement in the bribery scheme. The federal indictment, still partially sealed, is expected to reveal more details about the extent of the corruption.
As the probe continues, additional information is anticipated to surface, shedding light on the extent of the bribery scheme.
