U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) gives remarks during a press conference with House Problem Solvers Caucus members on gerrymandering reform on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 16, 2026. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
The top aide of Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) has been accused of operating an extortion and "court-fixing" scheme, according to a new lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, accuses Lawler's Deputy Chief of Staff, Rafi Silberberg, and two other men of targeting Shmuel Goldenberg with a scheme involving a Rockland County judge. The three men allegedly conspired to influence the outcome of a bitter custody battle Goldenberg was involved in, Kate Lisa of City & State New York, reported on Thursday.
The complaint outlines several "extreme measures" that Silberberg and the co-conspirators demanded Goldenberg accept, according to Lisa. One stipulation required Goldenberg to give up his house and pay over $300,000 in child support. They also demanded a $50,000 bribe, which the complaint alleged would have gone directly to the judge.
Justice Sherri L. Eisenpress, the judge allegedly involved in the scheme, resigned earlier this year after a misconduct investigation found she presided over more than 50 cases where she had personal ties to the attorneys in court, Lisa reported.
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