Lobbyist Accused of Extortion Scheme Targeting Former Client
Federal authorities in New York have apprehended and charged a lobbyist with orchestrating an attempted extortion plot, demanding a staggering $500,000 from a former client and his son. The lobbyist, Joshua Nass, aged 34, from Charleston, South Carolina, was brought before a magistrate judge in Brooklyn on Saturday to face the charges, which were unsealed the previous day. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York confirmed the arrest.
Nass, who was subsequently released on a $5 million bond, could potentially face up to two decades behind bars if convicted of the attempted extortion charge. Court documents filed in the case allege that Nass initiated his scheme in January, enlisting an individual, described by the government as a confidential witness, to pressure the former client and intimidate his son into paying the substantial sum. Nass claimed this money was rightfully owed for services rendered to the client. The individuals involved are identified in court filings only as “John Doe 1” and “John Doe 2.”
Allegations of Coercion and Intimidation
According to FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle Jr., Nass allegedly abandoned ethical representation in favour of a shakedown. “Rather than honestly representing his client, Joshua Nass allegedly chose to shake him down by hiring an enforcer to extort payment,” Barnacle stated in a news release. “The FBI prioritizes crushing violent crimes offenses and extortion schemes.”
The investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern of alleged coercion. Court documents detail how Nass instructed the confidential witness to visit the son’s residence in the New York area, with the explicit aim of compelling payment. However, the son reportedly shut the door on the witness upon being informed that Nass had dispatched him.
A Complex Web of Client Relationships and Advocacy
Further details unearthed from federal lobbying disclosure forms shed light on Nass’s professional activities. A document filed with the U.S. House and Senate, dated January 15 and digitally signed by Nass, covers the final three months of 2025. This filing lists Joseph Schwartz as a client. The disclosure indicates that Nass’s firm generated an estimated $100,000 in income from lobbying efforts during that period, with “federal presidential pardon advocacy” being one of his stated lobbying issues.
It is noteworthy that President Donald Trump had, in November, issued a pardon to a man named Joseph Schwartz. This Schwartz had previously pleaded guilty in federal court in 2024 to his involvement in a $38 million employment tax fraud scheme that encompassed nursing homes he owned across the United States. Schwartz was the operator of Skyline Management Group, a New Jersey-based entity.
When contacted by phone, John Marzulli, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, declined to comment on Saturday regarding any potential links between the allegations against Nass and activities involving Joseph Schwartz.
The Escalation of the Alleged Extortion Plot
The arrest of Joshua Nass occurred on Friday, outside his New York hotel. This was reportedly the same day he was scheduled to meet with the confidential witness, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Nass’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment via email and text messages.
A letter originating from the U.S. Attorney’s Office outlines Nass’s agreement in December to provide lobbying services to the client. This agreement stipulated a payment of $600,000 in exchange for these services. The client’s son had reportedly made an initial payment of $100,000. However, he subsequently informed Nass that he was unable to remit the full outstanding amount at that time and requested a “payment plan.” This request, according to the letter, was perceived by Nass as an “insult.”
The alleged conspiracy deepened between January and March. During this period, Nass and the confidential witness reportedly discussed various methods for extorting the payment. These discussions included extreme measures such as assaulting the son or forcing him into a vehicle with masked individuals and issuing threats. The government’s news release further states that Nass expressed a desire for the witness to avoid behaving “like a human being with” the son, as detailed in an affidavit signed by an FBI agent.
Tactics and Legal Ramifications
Nass, who is also a licensed attorney in New York, is accused of instructing the confidential witness on tactics to apply pressure. The alleged plan involved the witness approaching the son directly to demand the outstanding funds. The severity of the alleged actions highlights the lengths to which Nass may have been prepared to go to secure payment, moving beyond legitimate lobbying practices into criminal territory. The FBI’s commitment to dismantling such schemes underscores the serious nature of these accusations. The legal proceedings that follow will determine the ultimate outcome for Nass and shed further light on the intricate details of this alleged extortion attempt.
