A Former Prosecutor in New York Dies in Shootout with FBI Agents at His Home

Arrest Scheduled for Bribery Charges, but Rosenwasser Pointed Gun at FBI, Resulting in Shooting and His Death

A former leader in the Orange County, New York prosecutor’s office, Stewart Rosenwasser, died in a shootout with FBI agents at his home on Tuesday morning, as they arrived to arrest him on bribery charges.

Charges Stemmed from Investigation

According to the unsealed federal indictment, Rosenwasser was accused of using his authority in the prosecutors’ office to initiate a criminal investigation at the request of a millionaire former restaurant owner. The indictment alleged that Rosenwasser accepted at least $63,000 in bribe payments between 2022 and his arrest. The payments were mostly in the form of checks or money orders, as specified in the indictment.

Range of Charges

Rosenwasser faced numerous charges, including bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery, extortion under color of official right, making false statements, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and honest services wire fraud, according to the indictment.

FBI Agent-Involved Shooting

According to two sources familiar with the case, the FBI agents went to Rosenwasser’s home in the rural town of Campbell Hall, Orange County, at 9:40 am Tuesday. When they attempted to arrest him, he pointed a gun at them, resulting in at least one shot being fired by an FBI agent. The situation further escalated, leading Rosenwasser to barricade himself, and allegedly taking his own life, according to the sources.

FBI Response

In a statement, the FBI announced that its Inspection Division is “reviewing an agent-involved shooting” as is bureau policy. However, the agency chose not to provide further information on the incident, stating, “As this is an ongoing matter, we have no further details to provide.”

Confrontation with Prosecutors Office

Prior to his resignation from the district attorney’s office in June, Rosenwasser received multiple awards during his time in the prosecutor’s office. Upon news of his death, the Orange County DA David Hoovler released a statement offering condolences to Rosenwasser’s family and expressing heartbreak over the incident’s outcome.

Crisis Helplines

For those struggling with emotional crisis or suicidal thoughts, assistance is available by:

• Calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or
• Chatting live at 988lifeline.org
• Visiting SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support