Allegations of Fraud Lead to Resignation of Brooklyn Judge Edward Harold King

Judge Edward Harold King, a Brooklyn judge, has resigned following serious allegations of fraud and misconduct involving over $11 million in misappropriated funds. King, 71, was under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) for allegedly serving as an escrow lawyer while holding a judicial position, which is prohibited. His resignation effectively halted the investigation into these claims.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

King's resignation comes amid a series of lawsuits alleging that he participated in fraudulent activities alongside influential figures, including former county party boss Frank Seddio. The SCJC stated that King improperly acted as an escrow agent, mishandling funds, and transferring them to unauthorized third parties. The allegations against King mirror those in multiple lawsuits, which accuse him of fraud, theft, and racketeering.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

• Judge Edward Harold King: The central figure in the fraud allegations, appointed to the bench in 2024.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

• Frank Seddio: Former county party boss implicated in the same lawsuits, accused of leveraging his political influence.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

• Mark David Graubard: A lawyer involved in the escrow fraud case, who faced legal issues for failing to produce bank records.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

• Ken Glassman: The attorney representing a Nassau County investor seeking the return of funds.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

Robert Tembeckjian, head of the SCJC, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “The alarming allegations of financial impropriety against Judge King were so egregious as to warrant his permanent departure from the bench.” The SCJC has referred the case to law enforcement, although no criminal investigation has been announced yet.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

Critics have expressed outrage over the alleged misconduct, with one investor's lawyer, Ken Glassman, stating, “I could not understand how all of this has been happening — judges and lawyers are acting as if the law doesn’t apply.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern regarding accountability within the judicial system.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

While multiple lawsuits claim that King and his associates misappropriated funds, the exact amounts and details vary. For instance, one lawsuit seeks $21 million in damages for a Nassau County investor, while another alleges that King overdrew his account by $1.9 million. The discrepancies highlight the complexity of the ongoing legal battles.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

• “On or off the bench, a judge must respect and comply with the law and promote public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary,” — Robert Tembeckjian, Head of SCJC

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

• “It’s like these guys are like — as they used to say about John Gotti — the Teflon rip-off. Nothing sticks to them” — Ken Glassman, Investor’s Lawyer

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’

The fallout from King’s resignation is likely to continue as the lawsuits progress through the courts. The SCJC's referral to law enforcement may also lead to further investigations into the alleged fraud and the involvement of other parties, including Seddio and Graubard.

NYC judge with ties to Dem party boss accused of fraud, resigns: ‘Alarming allegations’