Ex-Kings County Judge Arrested in $5M Wire Fraud Conspiracy
Ex-Kings County Supreme Court Justice Edward Harold King was arrested for wire fraud conspiracy.
Why it matters: Allegations of criminal conduct by a former judge heighten scrutiny on judicial ethics and threaten confidence in the legal system. Legal professionals and oversight bodies face renewed calls to ensure robust controls over judicial conduct.
- Edward Harold King, 72, and Brooklyn developer Yechiel 'Sam' Sprei were arrested on May 13, 2026.
- Prosecutors allege they defrauded investors of at least $5 million in a fake real estate deal.
- King resigned December 31, 2025, while under judicial conduct investigation for financial impropriety.
- If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison.
Former Kings County Supreme Court Justice Edward Harold King and real estate developer Yechiel "Sam" Sprei were arrested on May 13, 2026, and charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors allege the pair solicited $6.5 million from investors for a non-existent commercial property deal in Freehold, New Jersey, returning just $1.5 million and defrauding investors of around $5 million in the process.
King's arrest comes just months after he resigned his judicial post on December 31, 2025, amid an investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The probe focused on allegations of financial impropriety and illegal legal practice during his tenure—a violation of ethics rules for New York judges. King agreed never to seek judicial office again following his resignation. (AMNY)
"As alleged, the defendants stole millions of dollars from investors by cynically leveraging King's position as a sitting judge to lend false legitimacy to supposed investment opportunities," U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said in announcing the charges. (DOJ announcement)
IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Harry T. Chavis Jr. emphasized: "Fraud that hides behind a veneer of legitimacy—especially the authority of a judge—strikes at the heart of public trust." (AP News)
Both King and Sprei were released on bail. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison.
- Edward Harold King previously served on the New York City Civil Court before his appointment to the state's main trial bench.
- The judicial conduct investigation and subsequent criminal charges are expected to further intensify calls for oversight within the judiciary.
By the numbers:
- $6.5 million — total solicited from investors for fictitious deal
- $5 million — amount defrauded from investors
- Up to 20 years — maximum potential prison sentence if convicted