Pardon Lobbyist, $500,000 Demand, and Alleged ‘Enforcer’ Lead to Extortion Charge in New York

Federal authorities in New York have arrested Joshua Nass, a 34-year-old lobbyist from Charleston, South Carolina, who is facing charges of attempting to extort $500,000 from a former client and his son. Nass had previously lobbied for Joseph Schwartz, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump for tax fraud related to a nursing home scheme.

The allegations against Nass revolve around a scheme that began in January, wherein he purportedly pressured the former client into paying him for lobbying services, claiming the amount was owed. According to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., Nass purportedly enlisted another individual—referred to as a “confidential witness”—to threaten and intimidate the victims, attempting to extract payment.

Court documents indicate that Nass had a payment agreement with Schwartz for $600,000 in lobbying services, of which only $100,000 had been paid before Nass expressed dissatisfaction when the client’s son requested a payment plan. Nass reportedly viewed this request as an insult, prompting him to escalate his demands.

The extortion scheme allegedly included discussions about using violent tactics, with Nass suggesting that physical force may be necessary to compel the client's son to comply. He was arrested just outside a New York City hotel prior to a scheduled meeting with the witness to further discuss the extortion plan.

Nass faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the attempted extortion charge, reflecting the serious nature of his alleged actions. The case has drawn considerable attention to the intersections of lobbying practices and criminal behavior, prompting concerns regarding the enforcement of laws intended to prevent such abuses of power.

Investigators continue to assess the full extent of the allegations, particularly in relation to the previously pardoned Schwartz, as this case unfolds in a politically charged environment.