CAMPBELL HALL, NY – A former prosecutor and retired judge in Orange County, New York, took his own life Tuesday as the FBI arrived at his residence for his arrest. Officials had come to Stewart Rosenwasser’s home in a senior retirement community in connection with a corruption case, according to law enforcement sources. The 72-year-old was reportedly under investigation for accepting $63,000 in bribes.
Authorities said that upon their arrival, Rosenwasser pointed a gun at an agent, prompting the agent to fire. Rosenwasser subsequently barricaded himself and is believed to have fatally shot himself.
A federal grand jury had indicted Rosenwasser on bribery charges, alleging that he initiated an investigation in 2022 while working in the District Attorney’s office to aid a long-time associate, Marty Soudani. Soudani had accused his nephew of embezzling nearly $2 million.
In a text message attributed to Rosenwasser, he reportedly assured maximum effort to the case, stating, “We will utilize all available assets.” Court documents also included copies of money orders and checks paid to Rosenwasser, as well as messages in which he claimed, “I will always protect you. And help you.”
Rosenwasser resigned abruptly from the Orange County District Attorney’s office in June. His former boss expressed sorrow over the tragic outcome, offering condolences to Rosenwasser’s family.