NYC Judge Resigns Amid Fraud Allegations

Edward Harold King accused of illegally moonlighting as escrow lawyer, defrauding millions

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Brooklyn Judge Edward Harold King has resigned from the bench after being accused of illegally moonlighting as an escrow lawyer and helping defraud more than $11 million from investors and a major bank. The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct was investigating King for the fraud allegations as well as for allegedly practicing law as a sitting judge, which is not allowed. Rather than participate in the investigation, King resigned and agreed to never serve as a judge again.

Why it matters

The allegations against King raise serious concerns about judicial integrity and the potential abuse of power by those with political connections. As a sitting judge, King was entrusted to uphold the law, but is accused of using his position to engage in unlawful financial schemes. This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability for members of the judiciary.

The details

According to lawsuits, King illegally worked as an escrow lawyer while serving as a full-time judge. He is accused of improperly receiving and mishandling escrow funds, refusing to return the funds as required, and transferring the money to unauthorized third parties. The alleged fraud schemes involve more than $11 million stolen from investors and a major bank. King is named as a defendant in multiple lawsuits alleging fraud, theft, and racketeering.

  • In 2024, King was appointed to the Brooklyn bench.
  • In January 2026, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced King's resignation.
  • The fraud allegations against King date back to his time as an escrow lawyer, prior to becoming a judge.

The players

Edward Harold King

A 71-year-old former Brooklyn judge who is accused of illegally moonlighting as an escrow lawyer and helping defraud more than $11 million from investors and a major bank.

Frank Seddio

A former Brooklyn county party boss who wields significant influence over the judicial nomination process and is named in lawsuits related to the alleged escrow fraud schemes.

Mark David Graubard

A lawyer who is also named in litigation involving the alleged escrow fraud schemes.

Sam Sprei

A Brooklyn real estate investor who is accused of participating in or aiding an alleged $2 million escrow fraud scheme.

Jonathan Rubin

A Lakewood, New Jersey resident who is accused of participating in or aiding an alleged $5 million escrow fraud scheme.

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What they’re saying

“The alarming allegations of financial impropriety against Judge King were so egregious as to warrant his permanent departure from the bench.”

— Robert Tembeckjian, Head of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct (New York Post)

“I could not understand how all of this has been happening — judges and lawyers are acting as if the law doesn't apply. It's like these guys are like — as they used to say about John Gotti — the Teflon rip-off. Nothing sticks to them”

— Ken Glassman, Lawyer for a Nassau County investor (New York Post)

What’s next

No criminal investigation has been announced in connection to the allegations against Judge King, but the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has made referrals to law enforcement in the past. The various civil lawsuits against King and the other individuals involved are still ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and accountability for members of the judiciary. As a sitting judge, King was entrusted to uphold the law, but is accused of using his position to engage in unlawful financial schemes. The allegations raise serious concerns about judicial integrity and the potential abuse of power by those with political connections.