Retired Judge Stewart Rosenwasser kills self at Orange County home as FBI arrive to arrest him
CAMPBELL HALL, New York (WABC) -- A former prosecutor and retired judge in Orange County, New York, killed himself Tuesday as the FBI arrived at his home to arrest him.
Authorities arrived at Stewart Rosenwasser's house in Campbell Hall, a senior retirement community, in connection to a corruption case, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Rosenwasser, 72, had been under investigation for allegedly taking $63,000 in bribes.
Sources say Rosenwasser pointed a gun at an agent who fired a shot. Rosenwasser then barricaded himself and it is believed he fatally shot himself.
A federal grand jury indicted Rosenwasser on bribery charges, accusing him of launching an investigation in 2022 when he was working in the District Attorney's office to help a longtime associate. The man, known as Marty Soudani, accused his nephew of stealing nearly $2 million from him.
In a text, Rosenwasser allegedly said, "I'm putting maximum effort into this. We will utilize all available assets."
Court documents show copies of money orders and checks made out to the lawyer, and in another exchange, Rosenwasser allegedly wrote, "I will always protect you. And help you."
Rosenwasser abruptly resigned from the Orange County District Attorney's office in June.
In a statement his former boss said, "It's truly heartbreaking that it ended this way. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family."
The FBI released the following statement:
"The FBI is reviewing an agent-involved shooting that occurred earlier this morning in Campbell Hall, NY. The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents seriously. In accordance with FBI policy, the shooting incident is under review by the FBI's Inspection Division. As this is an ongoing matter, we have no further details to provide."
Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York declined to comment.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 741-741 or visit 988lifeline.org/ for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even if it feels like it, you are not alone.
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