Retired judge Stewart Rosenwasser commits suicide in Campbell Hall, Orange County, as the FBI arrives to arrest him

CAMPBELL HALL, New York (WABC) — A former prosecutor and retired judge in Orange County, New York, committed suicide on Tuesday as the FBI arrived at his home to arrest him.

Law enforcement sources told ABC News that officers came to Stewart Rosenwasser's home in Campbell Hall, a senior living facility, in connection with a corruption case.

Rosenwasser, 72, was investigated for allegedly accepting bribes totaling $63,000.

According to sources, Rosenwasser pointed a gun at an agent, who fired one shot. Rosenwasser then barricaded himself and is believed to have shot himself.

A federal grand jury indicted Rosenwasser on bribery charges, accusing him of launching an investigation in 2022 while he was working for the state Attorney General's Office to help a longtime associate.

The man, known as Marty Soudani, accused his nephew of stealing nearly $2 million from him.

In a text message, Rosenwasser is said to have said: “I'm doing my best. We will use all the means at our disposal.”

Court documents include copies of money orders and checks made out to the lawyer. In another exchange, Rosenwasser reportedly wrote: “I will always protect you. And help you.”

Rosenwasser abruptly resigned from his position as Orange County district attorney in June.

In a statement, his former boss said: “It is truly heartbreaking that it ended this way. My deepest condolences go out to his family.”

The FBI released the following statement:

“The FBI is investigating an agent-involved shooting that occurred this morning in Campbell Hall, NY. The FBI takes all shootings involving our agents seriously. Per FBI policy, the shooting incident is being investigated by the FBI's Inspection Division. Because this is an ongoing matter, we cannot provide any further details.”

Federal prosecutors for the Southern District of New York declined to comment.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text TALK to 741-741, or visit 988lifeline.org/ for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even though it may feel like it, you are not alone.

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