Lobbyist Charged with Extortion in New York

Joshua Nass accused of trying to shake down former client for $500,000

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Federal authorities in New York have arrested and charged lobbyist Joshua Nass with attempted extortion. Nass is accused of recruiting a confidential witness to force a former client and the client's son to pay him $500,000, which Nass claimed was owed for his lobbying services. Nass faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential for abuse of power and unethical practices within the lobbying industry. Lobbyists are expected to represent their clients' interests ethically, but the allegations against Nass suggest he allegedly resorted to criminal means to extract payment from a former client.

The details

According to court documents, starting in January 2026, Nass recruited a confidential witness to intimidate his former client, referred to as 'John Doe 1', and the client's son, 'John Doe 2', into paying the $500,000 that Nass claimed was owed. The witness was allegedly instructed to use threats of violence to compel the payment. Nass was arrested on March 14, 2026, outside his New York hotel, the same day he was expected to meet with the confidential witness.

  • In January 2026, Nass recruited a confidential witness to extort payment from his former client.
  • Between January and March 2026, Nass and the witness discussed ways to extort the payment, including assaulting the client's son or forcing him into a car with masked men and threatening him.
  • On March 14, 2026, Nass was arrested outside his New York hotel, the same day he was expected to meet with the confidential witness.

The players

Joshua Nass

A 34-year-old lobbyist from Charleston, South Carolina, who was arrested and charged with attempted extortion.

John Doe 1

Nass' former client, who he allegedly tried to extort $500,000 from.

John Doe 2

The son of Nass' former client, who Nass allegedly tried to intimidate to compel payment.

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What they’re saying

“Rather than honestly representing his client, Joshua Nass allegedly chose to shake him down by hiring an enforcer to extort payment.”

— James Barnacle Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office (U.S. Attorney's Office)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Joshua Nass to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for abuse of power and unethical practices within the lobbying industry, and raises questions about the need for stronger oversight and regulation to ensure lobbyists represent their clients' interests ethically.