New York Attorney Connected to Trump Pardon Faces Attempted Extortion Charges
Joshua Nass, a 34-year-old New York lobbyist and attorney linked to a presidential pardon issued by Donald Trump, has been charged with attempted extortion in federal court in Brooklyn. Prosecutors allege that Nass plotted to intimidate a former client and the client's son over an alleged $500,000 debt owed for his services.
Allegations of Violent Threats and Intimidation Tactics
According to the U.S. Justice Department, Nass is accused of threatening a client for payment, claiming he was owed for his professional services. Prosecutors contend that Nass provided an unnamed individual with a phone number and addresses, instructing them to visit the client at home in an effort to intimidate him into paying up.
In court documents, it is alleged that Nass told the individual to "do anything and everything" to force payment, including physically assaulting the client's son or forcing him into a car with masked men to threaten his family. Nass is also accused of agreeing to pay the individual at least $15,000 for these efforts.
Legal Consequences and Court Proceedings
Nass was arrested on Friday and charged with attempted Hobbs Act extortion, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He made an initial court appearance on Saturday and was released on a $5 million bond, secured by five properties in New York and South Carolina, along with $50,000 in cash. Nass has been placed on GPS electronic monitoring as part of his release conditions.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. of the eastern district of New York stated, "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." FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle added that Nass allegedly chose to shake down his client rather than honestly represent him.
Connection to Trump Pardon and Lobbying Activities
Nass played a role in Trump's November 14, 2025, pardon of Joseph Schwartz, who was convicted in Arkansas for failing to pay nearly $40 million in employment and payroll taxes related to his nursing-home empire and faced Medicaid fraud charges. In a public filing, Nass reported being paid $100,000 in late 2025 for advocacy concerning executive clemency, including federal presidential pardon efforts.
Prosecutors in the extortion case allege that the son of Nass's client facilitated a $100,000 payment out of $600,000 owed for lobbying services. Earlier in March, the New York Times reported that Schwartz connected with Trump through Nass and his ties to pro-Israel evangelicals. Nass commented to the outlet, saying clemency reflects a belief in redemption and praising Trump for giving deserving individuals a second chance.
Broader Implications and White House Response
The case against Nass emerges amid allegations that Trump's clemency system is influenced by lobbyists. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has denied these claims, stating, "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." This incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of pardon processes and legal ethics in high-profile cases.
