Josh Nass Arrested for Attempted Extortion in Connection with Clemency Case
Josh Nass, a lawyer and lobbyist known for his ties to President Trump's circle, was arrested by the F.B.I. in Manhattan on charges of attempted extortion. Nass had been paid $100,000 to seek clemency for Joseph Schwartz, a former nursing home executive convicted of tax crimes. The U.S. Attorney accused Nass of plotting to extort an additional $500,000 from Schwartz or his son. Nass, 34, is set to be arraigned in Brooklyn.
Nass's arrest came after a meeting in Midtown Manhattan where he was discussing business opportunities with other clemency seekers. He had been working on behalf of Schwartz, who was pardoned by Trump in November after serving time in federal prison for tax crimes. Nass's lobbying efforts for Schwartz were detailed in a recent New York Times article. Schwartz, who attended the White House Hanukkah party, was released on parole in January after a brief prison stint.
Nass, who reported lobbying for Schwartz in disclosure filings, was paid $100,000 for his efforts to secure clemency and post-conviction relief. The filings show that Nass engaged with Congress, the Justice Department, and the State Department on behalf of Schwartz. The White House has denied that lobbyists influence Trump's clemency decisions. Nass's lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated that he would comment on the charges after reviewing them. Schwartz did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In conclusion, Josh Nass's arrest on charges of attempted extortion related to his representation of Joseph Schwartz, a former nursing home executive seeking clemency, has raised questions about the influence of lobbyists in securing presidential pardons. Nass's legal troubles highlight the complexities of navigating the intersection of law, politics, and personal connections in seeking clemency for convicted individuals.