Lobbyist in Plea Talks Following Extortion Charges Linked to Trump-Pardoned Client

Joshua Nass, a lobbyist and founder of Merkava Strategies, is currently engaged in discussions with prosecutors regarding a potential plea agreement to resolve extortion charges. Nass was arrested on March 13, 2026, for allegedly hiring an individual to intimidate a former client and his son into paying him $500,000. The former client is reported to be Joseph Schwartz, a nursing home owner who received a pardon from President Donald Trump in November 2025 after being convicted of a $38 million tax fraud scheme.

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Joseph Schwartz, 66, pleaded guilty to tax fraud in November 2024 and began serving a three-year sentence in a federal prison in Otisville, New York. President Trump pardoned Schwartz on November 14, 2025, less than three months into his sentence. This pardon is part of a broader trend during Trump's presidency, where he has utilized his clemency powers more frequently and earlier than previous presidents.

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• Joshua Nass: Lobbyist and founder of Merkava Strategies, currently facing extortion charges.

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• Joseph Schwartz: Nursing home owner and former client of Nass, who was pardoned by Trump after a tax fraud conviction.

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• Kevin Marino: Schwartz's lawyer, who declined to comment on the ongoing situation.

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Nass's defense team has requested an extension for the indictment deadline from April 13 to April 27, citing the need for additional time to negotiate a potential resolution. The U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn has not provided comments regarding the case.

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The circumstances surrounding the pardon of Schwartz and the subsequent extortion charges against Nass have raised questions about the integrity of lobbying practices and the use of presidential clemency. Critics argue that such pardons may enable unethical behavior among lobbyists and their clients.

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While the FBI complaint details Nass's alleged actions, it does not specify the exact nature of the lobbying services provided to Schwartz. Additionally, there is no information on whether Nass has entered a plea or if he intends to contest the charges.

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• “This additional time is necessary to afford the parties time to confer regarding a potential resolution of the case,” — Joshua Nass's Defense Lawyers

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• “presidents have unchecked power to grant clemency for federal crimes.” — Legal Expert

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As discussions between Nass's legal team and prosecutors continue, the outcome of these negotiations may lead to a plea agreement or further legal proceedings. The extended deadline for the indictment could provide additional insights into the case's developments.

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