John Roesser, Bankruptcy Fraud, New York 2022

John Roesser, a former law firm partner, has pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud in the Southern District of New York. The case against Roesser began with his decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2022, citing significant tax debt and income from a real estate business. However, investigators found that Roesser had lied about his income and assets, including failing to disclose a house valued at $2,600,000 and an Aston Martin Rapide.

As part of his plea agreement, Roesser admitted to making false statements under penalty of perjury and submitting falsified records in the bankruptcy proceeding. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Roesser ‘manipulated and corrupted a system that helps so many’ and will face sentencing before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres.

During the bankruptcy proceeding, Roesser submitted a declaration stating that he expected to receive a commission of approximately $9,500,000 from his real estate business in June 2022. However, investigators found that Roesser had misrepresented his income and assets to the court, including failing to disclose his substantial income tax liability.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed a Proof of Claim in the bankruptcy proceeding, listing the IRS’s claims against Roesser for income taxes assessed between 2014 and 2019. The claims totaled $2,229,971.77, with penalties and interest bringing the total to $3,850,819.07.

Roesser’s sentencing is scheduled to take place before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres. The case highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in bankruptcy proceedings, which are designed to provide relief for individuals and businesses struggling with debt.

As a former law firm partner, Roesser’s actions are particularly egregious, as he took advantage of the bankruptcy system for personal gain. His sentence will serve as a warning to others who attempt to manipulate the system for their own benefit.

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