Ex-New York prosecutor indicted in bribery case found dead in apparent suicide before FBI arrest

Former Orange County prosecutor Stewart Rosenwasser was found dead in an apparent suicide at his home as FBI agents arrived to arrest him on charges of accepting bribes. The indictment alleges that he accepted $63,000 in bribe payments while serving in the district attorney’s office. When the FBI arrived at his home, Rosenwasser allegedly pointed a gun at the agents before barricading himself and taking his own life. The FBI confirmed an agent-involved shooting and stated the matter is still under review. Rosenwasser was accused of using his position to investigate and prosecute individuals at the request of a co-defendant, who allegedly paid him bribes in exchange for confidential information and favors. Federal prosecutors also claimed that Rosenwasser lied about his relationship with the co-defendant to conceal his criminal conduct. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler expressed his condolences to Rosenwasser’s family, calling the situation “truly heartbreaking.” Despite receiving awards during his time in the district attorney’s office, Rosenwasser resigned quietly in June before the charges were filed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the case.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com