⏱ 2 min read
A former New York State judge and a Brooklyn real estate investor have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy for their roles in a scheme that stole millions of dollars from investors. Sam Sprei, also known as Yechiel Sprei, Shimon Sprei, and Eli Shapiro, and Edward Harold King, a former Kings County Supreme Court Justice, were arrested and charged in a complaint unsealed at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn. The arrests took place on the morning of the complaint’s unsealing, with the defendants scheduled to make their initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.
According to court filings, Sprei and King perpetrated numerous schemes to defraud, including multiple schemes to defraud real estate investors. They solicited the victims’ funds in fictitious investment opportunities, representing that the invested funds would be returnable on demand if the victims decided to end their involvement in the investments. However, they later refused to return the funds, stealing millions of dollars from their victims.
The scheme relied heavily on King’s position as a sitting judge to lend false legitimacy to the supposed investment opportunities. The defendants’ actions have been condemned by law enforcement officials, who emphasized the importance of holding corrupt individuals accountable for the abuse of public trust.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella and IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis announced the arrests and charges, stating that the defendants’ actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the law and the trust placed in them. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat financial crimes and protect the public from fraudulent schemes.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: New York
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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