Former 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 as federal agents arrived at his home to arrest him for allegedly accepting bribes. Rosenwasser was indicted on multiple charges, including bribery and making false statements, for accepting at least $63,000 in bribes while serving as chief counsel to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. When the FBI arrived at his home, Rosenwasser allegedly pointed a gun at the agents, leading to an agent-involved shooting. The indictment alleges that Rosenwasser used his position to investigate and prosecute individuals at the request of his co-defendant, a millionaire and former restaurant owner, in exchange for bribe payments. Rosenwasser received payments totaling $63,000 and tried to conceal his actions by lying to senior leadership in the district attorney’s office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the case. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler expressed sadness over Rosenwasser’s death and offered condolences to his family. Rosenwasser had received awards during his time in office, including the Arson Prosecutor of the Year Award. He quietly resigned in June before the indictment was unsealed.

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