New York lawyer linked to Trump pardon charged with attempted extortion

The Guardian US News
by Edward Helmore
March 14, 2026
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3 min read

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A lawyer who helped secure Trump pardons was charged with extorting clients.

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Joshua Nass, a 34-year-old New York lobbyist and attorney, was arrested Friday on federal charges of attempted extortion against a former client and the client's son. Prosecutors allege Nass threatened the clients over an alleged $500,000 debt he claimed they owed for his services. The case has drawn attention because Nass played a role in securing a presidential pardon from Trump in November for a man convicted of failing to pay $40 million in taxes. Nass was charged in federal court in Brooklyn with attempted Hobbs Act extortion. The arrest highlights potential legal vulnerabilities for individuals connected to Trump's recent pardon activities.

What's Being Done

Federal prosecutors charged Joshua Nass with attempted Hobbs Act extortion in Brooklyn court.

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