05/19/2026

Former New York State Judge and Brooklyn Real Estate Investor Charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy

United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of New York

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Sam Sprei, also known as “Yechiel Sprei,” “Shimon Sprei,” and “Eli Shapiro,” and Edward Harold King, a former Kings County Supreme Court Justice, with wire fraud conspiracy.  Both defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to make their initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Clay H. Kaminsky.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York), announced the arrests and charges.

“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,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Today’s arrests demonstrate that this Office will hold accountable those who exploit victims for their own financial gain.  Holding corrupt individuals accountable for the abuse of public trust will always be a priority of our Office.”

“Fraud that hides behind a veneer of legitimacy—especially the authority of a judge—strikes at the heart of public trust,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis.  “IRS‑CI will relentlessly follow the money, expose deception, and ensure that those who manipulate and mislead investors are brought to justice.  Today’s arrests send a clear message: schemes dressed up as opportunity will not shield wrongdoers from accountability.”