Lobbyist Charged with Extortion in New York

Joshua Nass accused of hiring 'enforcer' to demand $500,000 from former client

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:18am

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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 his son to pay $500,000, which Nass claimed was owed for his lobbying services. Nass had previously worked on behalf of an ex-nursing home operator who was recently pardoned by former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the potential abuse of the presidential pardon power and the use of intimidation tactics by lobbyists to extract payments from clients. It raises questions about oversight and accountability in the lobbying industry.

The details

According to court documents, Nass agreed in December to provide lobbying services to a client for $600,000. The client's son made a $100,000 payment but said he could not pay the full amount, which Nass viewed as an 'insult.' Nass then allegedly recruited a confidential witness to force the client and his son to pay the remaining $500,000, discussing ways the witness could extort the payment, including assaulting the son or forcing him into a car with masked men and threatening him.

  • In January, Nass recruited and agreed to pay a confidential witness to force the former client and intimidate his son into paying the $500,000.
  • On March 15, 2026, Nass was arrested outside his New York hotel on the same day he had 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.

Joseph Schwartz

An ex-nursing home operator who was recently pardoned by former President Donald Trump and was listed as a client on a federal lobbying disclosure form signed by Nass.

John Doe 1

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

John Doe 2

The son of the former client who Nass allegedly tried to intimidate into paying the $500,000.

James Barnacle Jr.

The assistant director in charge of the FBI's New York field office, who said the FBI prioritizes 'crushing violent crimes offenses and extortion schemes.'

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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, FBI 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 and unethical practices within the lobbying industry, particularly when coupled with the use of presidential pardons. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure lobbyists act in the public interest.