New York Attorney Charged with Extortion Linked to Trump Pardon

Joshua Nass, a New York lobbyist and attorney, has been charged with attempted Hobbs Act extortion in connection with a $500,000 debt owed by a former client. Federal prosecutors allege that Nass threatened the client and his son, instructing an accomplice to intimidate them into making the payment. This included directives to potentially physically assault the son or forcibly abduct him to compel payment from the family. Nass reportedly agreed to pay the accomplice at least $15,000 for these efforts. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The Guardian

Nass played a role in the presidential pardon of Joseph Schwartz, who was convicted in Arkansas for failing to pay nearly $40 million in employment taxes and was charged with Medicaid fraud. Schwartz's pardon was issued by Donald Trump on November 14, 2025. Although Schwartz and his son are not named in the extortion case, Nass had previously reported receiving $100,000 for his lobbying efforts related to Schwartz’s clemency.

The Guardian

Nass's financial dealings have come under scrutiny, with prosecutors alleging that the son of his client facilitated a $100,000 payment towards a total of $600,000 owed for lobbying services. In a public filing, Nass stated that he was compensated for advocacy concerning executive clemency, including efforts for federal presidential pardons. He has defended the clemency process, asserting that it reflects a belief in redemption and commending Trump for granting second chances to deserving individuals.

The Guardian

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. emphasized the severity of the allegations against Nass, stating, “As alleged, Nass plotted the violent extortion of one of his own clients.” FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle criticized Nass for prioritizing intimidation over honest representation. In contrast, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed claims that Trump's clemency decisions are influenced by lobbyists, stating, “Anyone spending money to lobby for pardons is foolishly wasting their money.”

The Guardian

The case against Nass has sparked discussions about the influence of lobbyists in the clemency process under Trump. Critics argue that the allegations highlight a troubling pattern of corruption and misuse of power within the clemency system. However, supporters of Trump’s pardons maintain that they are based on merit and the potential for rehabilitation.

The Guardian

While Nass's connections to Trump and the lobbying efforts for pardons have been reported, there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of influence that lobbyists may have on the clemency process. The White House has consistently denied any such influence, but the ongoing investigation into Nass raises questions about the integrity of the system.

The Guardian

• “As alleged, Nass plotted the violent extortion of one of his own clients and hired an individual to ‘do anything and everything’ to force the client’s son to pay for services,” — Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney

The Guardian

• “rather than honestly representing his client, Joshua Nass allegedly chose to shake him down by hiring an enforcer to extort payment” — James Barnacle, FBI Assistant Director

The Guardian

• “clemency reflects the belief that people are capable of redemption” — Joshua Nass

The Guardian

• “Anyone spending money to lobby for pardons is foolishly wasting their money, and the president doesn’t even know who these so-called ‘lobbyists’ are,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

The Guardian