(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a shockingly violent incident earlier this week, former Orange County, New York, judge Stewart Rosenwasser died as FBI agents arrived at his Campbell Hall residence to arrest him.
Rosenwasser, under indictment for receiving $63,000 in bribes, allegedly took his own life. His son disputes the FBI’s suicide claim, citing an “agent-involved shooting” mentioned by the FBI.
Rosenwasser, 72, a former prosecutor and judge, faced federal charges for accepting bribes to help his longtime associate, Marty Soudani.
The retired judge allegedly fabricated an embezzlement case to benefit Soudani. The bribes, totaling $63,000, were funneled through checks and money orders over nearly two years.
According to court documents, text messages between Rosenwasser and Soudani supported the corruption allegations.
One message from December 2022 reads, “I’m going to go into grand jury as soon as I receive your certified bank records. I have arranged an audit of all the electronic transfers”
Despite his resignation from the Orange County District Attorney’s office in June, the investigation caught up with Rosenwasser.
When FBI agents arrived to arrest him, Rosenwasser allegedly aimed a gun at them, prompting an agent to fire a shot. Rosenwasser reportedly barricaded himself before fatally shooting himself.
The FBI is now reviewing the agent-involved shooting, but has refrained from providing further details. The Southern District of New York prosecutors have also declined to comment on the matter.
“It’s truly heartbreaking that it ended this way. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family,” said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.
Such tragic ends are rare yet troubling reminders of corruption within the judicial system. The narrative of a judge resorting to bribes to sway justice erodes public trust and raises questions about the integrity of those who swear to uphold the law.
For those dealing with similar distress or thoughts of suicide, resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are available to offer support and help navigate through these challenging times.
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