Retired Judge Reportedly Takes His Own Life As FBI Tries To Arrest Him

Retired Judge Reportedly Takes His Own Life As FBI Tries To Arrest Him

Retired Judge Stewart Rosenwasser reportedly took his own life as FBI agents were trying to arrest him at his home in Orange County.

At a Glance

  • Stewart Rosenwasser was allegedly involved in a bribery scam, receiving $63,000 over two years.
  • He reportedly took his own life during a shootout with the FBI.
  • Evidence against him included checks and text messages.
  • Rosenwasser resigned from the Orange County DA’s office in June.
  • The FBI’s Inspection Division is reviewing the agent-involved shooting.

Bribery Allegations

Retired judge and former prosecutor Stewart Rosenwasser was allegedly involved in a major bribery scam. Over nearly two years, Rosenwasser allegedly received $63,000 in bribes from co-defendant Mout’z Soudani. These bribes were reportedly in exchange for fabricating an embezzlement case while Rosenwasser was acting as a prosecutor.

Evidence against Rosenwasser includes canceled checks, text messages, and multiple $5,000 payments marked as “loan.” Federal prosecutors also uncovered that Rosenwasser and Soudani met secretly at various locations, including a diner. Rosenwasser reportedly promised to investigate and prosecute Soudani’s sister and nephew, who were later arrested and charged with embezzling $1.6 million.

The Shootout and Suicide

Federal agents attempted to arrest Rosenwasser at his home, leading to a dramatic shootout. Reports suggest that Rosenwasser pointed a gun at an FBI agent who fired a shot. The judge then barricaded himself and is believed to have fatally shot himself.

“It’s truly heartbreaking that it ended this way. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.” Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said.

Rosenwasser was removed from the embezzlement case in June 2023 and allegedly continued to receive payments from Soudani as late as January 2024. After both men were indicted, Rosenwasser’s tragic end unfolded.

Case Fallout and Investigation

The case against Soudani’s sister was ultimately dismissed, although her son pleaded guilty to grand larceny. Federal prosecutors allege that Rosenwasser lied about his relationship with Soudani, denying any conflict of interest or prior representation. Payments included money orders to avoid traceability.

According to USA Today, the FBI said its Inspection Division is “reviewing an agent-involved shooting.”

Despite the investigations and reviews, Rosenwasser’s son has questioned the reports of his father’s suicide. Additionally, Soudani’s relatives have filed a $22.5 million lawsuit, claiming prosecutorial corruption.

Sources

  1. Ex-NY judge Stewart Rosenwasser, who killed himself after FBI shootout, linked to bribery scandal through damning checks and texts
  2. Ex-New York prosecutor accused in bribery case dies by suicide during FBI raid: Reports
  3. Retired Judge Stewart Rosenwasser kills self at Orange County home as FBI arrive to arrest him

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