Joshua Nass, a New York-licensed attorney, was charged with attempted Hobbs Act extortion after allegedly recruiting an individual to threaten a former client and the client's son for $500,000, according to a complaint unsealed at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on Mar. 14. Nass was arrested and is scheduled to make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
The case highlights concerns about abuse of trust by legal professionals. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York handles federal crime prosecutions and civil matters representation for the district, according to the official website.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. said, “As alleged, Nass plotted the violent extortion of one of his own clients and hired an individual to ‘do anything and everything’ to force the client’s son to pay for services. It will always be a priority of our Office to hold accountable those abusing a position of trust by violating the laws and oaths they have been sworn to support.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. added, “Rather than honestly representing his client, Joshua Nass allegedly chose to shake him down by hiring an enforcer to extort payment. The FBI prioritizes crushing violent crimes offenses and extortion schemes.”
Court filings allege that beginning in January 2026, Nass recruited another person (referred to as Individual) to pressure John Doe 1 (the former client) and John Doe 2 (the client's son) into paying him $500,000 he claimed was owed for legal services. Nass provided contact information for John Doe 2 and instructed Individual to visit his home as intimidation. He paid Individual $3,000 upfront and discussed further payments totaling at least $15,000 if successful in collecting from John Does 1 and 2.
Nass reportedly suggested physical assault or kidnapping as possible methods for forcing payment from John Doe 2's family members. On one occasion he told Individual not to be a "human being" if rebuffed by John Doe 2.
If convicted on these charges, Nass faces up to 20 years in prison. The government’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Victor Zapana, Anna L. Karamigios and Kamil R. Ammari from the Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County as indicated on its official website according to the official website. Breon Peace leads the office as United States Attorney as noted on the official website. The office also supports community outreach efforts according to its official website.
