Ex-Brooklyn judge accused of swindling real estate investors out of millions of dollars

May 14, 2026 - 04:58

A former New York City judge who stepped down last year amid a professional misconduct probe now faces federal charges for allegedly using his judicial position to defraud real estate investors of at least $5 million. The ex-jurist, who presided over cases in Brooklyn, is accused of orchestrating a scheme that preyed on individuals seeking profitable property deals.

According to court documents, the former judge leveraged his legal credentials and reputation to lure investors into fake real estate ventures. He promised high returns on projects that either did not exist or were grossly misrepresented. Prosecutors say he fabricated documents, including fake contracts and title reports, to make the investments appear legitimate. When investors demanded their money back or questioned delays, he allegedly provided excuses and further false paperwork to stall them.

The scheme reportedly ran for several years, with the accused using the stolen funds for personal expenses, including luxury travel and debt payments. The charges include wire fraud and money laundering, each carrying significant prison time. Authorities noted that the defendant resigned from the bench in 2023 after the state's judicial conduct commission found he had misused his office for financial gain.

This case adds to a growing list of legal professionals facing criminal consequences for abusing their positions of trust. The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors are urging other potential victims to come forward. The former judge is expected to appear in federal court later this week, where a judge will set bail conditions. If convicted, he could face decades behind bars.