CAMPBELL HALL, N.Y. — A retired New York state judge and former prosecutor, Stewart Rosenwasser, took his own life Tuesday just before federal agents arrived to arrest him on charges of bribery, extortion, and other alleged crimes. Rosenwasser, who had recently resigned from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, died at his home in Campbell Hall, according to local reports.
Federal agents had come to serve an arrest warrant when the 69-year-old reportedly shot and killed himself. Multiple outlets, including WABC and the Times Union, reported that an FBI agent exchanged gunfire with Rosenwasser before the former judge died by suicide.
Details surrounding the indictment remain unclear, but the investigation allegedly involved serious charges tied to bribery and extortion.
Rosenwasser had a lengthy legal career, serving as a judge from 1999 to 2006. During that time, he acted as a justice on the New York State Supreme Court. Known for his tough-on-crime reputation, he earned the nickname “Maximum Stew” for imposing severe sentences, particularly for violent offenses.
After leaving the bench, Rosenwasser cited his frustration with not receiving a salary increase as one of his reasons for stepping down, despite earning a six-figure income during his tenure, The Times Herald-Record reported.
He had continued his legal career until his resignation from the District Attorney’s office earlier this year.
Federal authorities have not yet commented on the circumstances of Rosenwasser’s death or the charges he was facing. An investigation is ongoing.
