Former NY Prosecutor Accused of Bribery Dies by Suicide as FBI Arrives to Arrest

A former prosecutor from Orange County, New York, who was facing bribery allegations reportedly died from an apparent suicide at his home just as federal agents were set to arrest him. Sources privy to the information informed NBC New York that the FBI had arrived at Stewart Rosenwasser's residence in Campbell Hall to detain him on Tuesday morning.

Bribery Allegations and Arrest Attempt

The same day a federal indictment was unsealed, revealing that Rosenwasser allegedly accepted bribe payments totaling at least $63,000 while serving as chief counsel to the Orange County District Attorney's Office and executive assistant district attorney. The charges included bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, honest services wire fraud, extortion under color of official right, and making false statements.

Confrontation with Federal Agents

Sources disclosed that upon the arrival of the FBI, Rosenwasser allegedly pointed a firearm at the agents. In response, at least one shot was reportedly fired by the FBI, leading to Rosenwasser barricading himself and, according to sources, subsequently taking his own life.

The indictment accused Rosenwasser of abusing his authority in the district attorney's office to investigate and prosecute two individuals at the behest of his co-defendant. Additionally, he allegedly provided confidential information to the co-defendant, a self-proclaimed millionaire and former restaurant owner. The indictment further alleged that Rosenwasser seized money from the two individuals, close relatives of the co-defendant, which was intended to be paid to the co-defendant "as restitution."

Bribe Payments Uncovered

According to the indictment, the co-defendant allegedly paid Rosenwasser $15,000 by check in November 2022, followed by a text message a month later stating, "I give my word at the end you will be extremely more than happy." The indictment asserted that these bribe payments persisted until May 2024, and in total, the co-defendant paid Rosenwasser a minimum of $63,000 through money orders, checks, and cash.