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A pardon lobbyist, $500,000 demand and alleged ‘enforcer’ lead to extortion charge in New York

Joshua Nass allegedly hired an enforcer to threaten a former client pardoned by Trump to collect $500,000, facing up to 20 years if convicted, prosecutors said.

  • On Friday, FBI agents arrested lawyer Joshua Nass in Manhattan, charging him with attempted Hobbs Act extortion for allegedly hiring an enforcer to threaten a former client and his son over a claimed $500,000 debt.
  • The alleged scheme began in January after Nass claimed a former client owed him $500,000 for lobbying services, though he had previously received $100,000 to seek clemency for Joseph Schwartz, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump.
  • Federal authorities allege Nass paid an enforcer $3,000 in cash to intimidate the victims. Investigators say the pair discussed forcing the son into a car with masked men and threatening him to compel payment.
  • Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky on Saturday, Nass was released on $5 million bond. If convicted, the attorney faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
  • FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle stated the bureau prioritizes "crushing violent crimes offenses and extortion schemes." The case signals continued federal scrutiny of attorneys abusing their position of trust with high-profile clients.
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41 Articles

CNNCNN
+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Lean Left

Lobbyist tied to pardon from Trump charged with attempted extortion

Federal prosecutors charged a lobbyist with trying to extort a former client and his son to recover half a million dollars in debt, according to court filings.

·Atlanta, United States
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Associated Press NewsAssociated Press News
+20 Reposted by 20 other sources
Lean Left

A pardon lobbyist, $500,000 demand and alleged 'enforcer' lead to extortion charge in New York

Federal prosecutors in New York have accused a lobbyist of trying to extort a former client and the client’s son for $500,000.

·United States
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East Bay Times broke the news in Walnut Creek, United States on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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