Family Court Scandal: NYS Judge Eisenpress Faces Federal Civil RICO Probe
Justice for Sale? Eisenpress Accused of Manipulating Family Court Outcomes
By Dick LaFontaine and Richard Luthmann
Judge Sherri Eisenpress, a New York State Supreme Court Justice, is at the center of controversy. She is accused of exploiting her position to destroy families in a cascade of alleged corruption.
A detailed federal civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) complaint filed in November shines a harsh spotlight on her alleged misconduct.
Plaintiffs describe Eisenpress’s court as a “family slaughterhouse,” where bias, favoritism, and financial motivations dictate outcomes rather than justice. The complaint accuses Eisenpress and her associates of perpetuating systemic corruption, leaving families devastated and financially drained.
A "Pattern of Corruption"
The 98-page civil RICO complaint filed on November 15, 2024, outlines a “pattern of racketeering activities” allegedly orchestrated by Eisenpress. Plaintiffs assert that the judge manipulates custody decisions to favor politically connected attorneys or those willing to pay exorbitant fees to court-appointed professionals. According to the complaint:
“Sheri Eisenpress systematically rigs outcomes in high-stakes custody cases, weaponizing her judicial discretion to reward allies and punish critics.”
One chilling case involved Sai Malena Jimenez Fogarty, whose fight for her children became a nightmare.
Fogarty claims Eisenpress ignored evidence of abuse and handed custody to the children’s father, who was documented as “violent and unfit.” In a tearful statement, Fogarty said:
“I begged the court to protect my kids, but Eisenpress refused to listen. She destroyed my family.”
Dubious Ties to Court-Appointed Professionals
The complaint also raises concerns about Eisenpress’s financial relationships with court-appointed guardians ad litem and therapists. These professionals often wield significant influence over custody decisions and billing practices. The document describes a “pay-to-play” scheme where Eisenpress allegedly steers lucrative appointments to a small group of loyalists.
One unnamed whistleblower, a former court employee, stated:
“If you weren’t in her circle, you didn’t get cases. It’s that simple. And parents and children suffered for it.”
The report cites a forensic accountant’s analysis showing that court-appointed experts in Eisenpress’s cases frequently charge double or triple the industry standard. Families are often left bankrupt and unable to appeal decisions due to depleted financial resources.
Ignored Complaints and Ethical Violations
Multiple litigants have filed grievances against Eisenpress with the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct, but none have led to disciplinary action.
Critics argue the system is designed to protect judges rather than hold them accountable.
In one instance, a mother filed a judicial misconduct complaint after Eisenpress allegedly mocked her mental health struggles during a custody hearing.
According to the RICO complaint, Eisenpress told the mother:
“You’re unstable and unfit. You’ll never see your kids again.”
Despite affidavits from multiple witnesses supporting the mother’s account, the complaint was dismissed without explanation.
Judicial Immunity or Abuse of Power?
Judges often enjoy immunity from lawsuits for decisions made in their official capacity, but the RICO complaint challenges that shield. Plaintiffs argue that Eisenpress’s actions fall outside the bounds of legitimate judicial conduct, alleging she acted as a “de facto crime boss” rather than an impartial arbiter.
A legal expert familiar with the case commented anonymously:
“This isn’t just about bad decisions. The allegations suggest deliberate, criminal abuse of power for personal and financial gain.”
Victims Speak Out
The RICO filing has emboldened others to share their stories. A father from Rockland County recounted how Eisenpress revoked his custody rights after he reported his ex-wife for child neglect. He said:
“I did everything right—followed every order, paid every fee—and still lost my kids. It’s a nightmare.”
Another litigant described Eisenpress’s courtroom as “a theater of cruelty,” where children’s needs are secondary to financial and political interests.
Federal Investigation Looms
The complaint names Eisenpress alongside several court-appointed professionals and attorneys as defendants, alleging a coordinated effort to defraud families. Federal investigators have not yet commented publicly, but sources suggest subpoenas have been issued for financial records linked to the judge’s cases.
Sai Malena Jimenez Fogarty, the complaint’s lead plaintiff, vowed to fight until systemic reform is achieved. Speaking at a press conference, she declared:
“This isn’t just about my kids. It’s about every family torn apart by corruption. We demand accountability.”
A Reckoning for Family Court?
Eisenpress’s case underscores broader concerns about transparency and accountability in family courts nationwide. Critics argue that judicial oversight mechanisms are toothless, allowing bad actors to operate unchecked.
A veteran attorney who has practiced in family courts for over 30 years observed:
“Judges like Eisenpress thrive in the shadows. Without systemic reform, this will keep happening.”
Questions For the Watchdogs
We contacted the Office of Court Administration (OCA) and the Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) about Justice Eisenpress. We received no response as of press time. If they do respond, we will present their views in a follow-up article. These are the questions we asked:
Office of Court Administration
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Monday, December 9th, 2024 at 8:53 AM
Subject: Inquiry about Justice Sheri Eisenpress
To: lchalfen@nycourts.gov <lchalfen@nycourts.gov>, AHackel@nycourts.gov <AHackel@nycourts.gov>
CC: RALafontaine <RALafontaine@protonmail.com>, Rick LaRivière <RickLaRiviere@proton.me>, mthomasnast@protonmail.com <mthomasnast@protonmail.com>, Michael Volpe <mvolpe998@gmail.com>, frankiepressman@protonmail.com <frankiepressman@protonmail.com>
Good morning,We are journalists preparing a story about the attached civil RICO complaint filed against NYS Supreme Court Justice Sheri Eisenpress. We request comment. Additionally, we ask about the Commission on Judicial Conduct's (CJC) process and its interaction with the Office of Court Administration (OCA):
General Accountability and Oversight
What is the Office of Court Administration's official stance on the allegations raised against Justice Sheri Eisenpress in the federal RICO complaint?
How does the OCA ensure that family court judges are held accountable for their decisions, especially in high-stakes custody cases?
What is the OCA’s protocol when allegations against a judge include criminal activities, such as those outlined in the RICO filing?
How does the OCA address concerns that judicial immunity may shield judges like Justice Eisenpress from accountability for alleged misconduct?
Case-Specific Questions
Has the OCA initiated any investigation into Justice Eisenpress in response to the federal RICO filing or related complaints?
Are there mechanisms in place to evaluate whether Justice Eisenpress’s decisions disproportionately favor certain attorneys or court-appointed professionals?
What is the OCA’s response to allegations that Justice Eisenpress dismissed credible evidence of abuse in multiple cases?
Has Justice Eisenpress ever disclosed financial relationships or personal connections with court-appointed professionals frequently assigned to her cases?
Judicial Conduct and Disciplinary Actions
How does the OCA collaborate with the Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) when complaints of judicial misconduct are filed?
Has the CJC referred any findings or recommendations regarding Justice Eisenpress to the OCA? If so, what actions were taken?
What is the standard timeline for the CJC to review and act upon complaints against judges, and how does the OCA ensure timely follow-up?
Why have previous misconduct complaints against Justice Eisenpress been dismissed without apparent disciplinary action? What role, if any, does the OCA play in reviewing those decisions?
Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC) Process and Oversight
Does the CJC inform the OCA of ongoing investigations into judges under its jurisdiction? If not, should it?
What level of transparency exists between the CJC and the OCA when multiple complaints are filed against a single judge, such as Justice Eisenpress?
Are there instances where the OCA has independently reviewed judicial conduct after receiving reports from the CJC?
Does the OCA believe the CJC’s process adequately addresses allegations involving systemic misconduct or racketeering, as described in the RICO complaint?
Structural Concerns
What safeguards does the OCA have to prevent conflicts of interest between judges and court-appointed professionals?
How does the OCA monitor and regulate fees charged by court-appointed professionals to ensure they are fair and consistent with industry standards?
Are there current policies to address potential judicial favoritism in appointing guardians ad litem or therapists in family court cases?
What oversight exists to ensure that family court rulings prioritize children’s welfare over financial or political interests?
Federal Investigation
Has the OCA been contacted by federal investigators regarding the allegations against Justice Eisenpress? If so, what has been the nature of the communication?
Does the OCA believe federal intervention is necessary to address the systemic issues highlighted in the RICO complaint?
Public Confidence and Judicial Reform
What steps is the OCA taking to reassure the public that New York’s family court system operates without corruption or bias?
How does the OCA respond to concerns that the allegations against Justice Eisenpress have undermined public trust in the judiciary?
Does the OCA plan to propose reforms aimed at increasing judicial transparency and accountability, particularly in family courts?
Please let us know OCA's side of the story so we can present the same to an interested public.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
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(239) 631-5957
richard.luthmann@protonmail.com
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Commission on Judicial Conduct
From: Richard Luthmann <richard.luthmann@protonmail.com>
Date: On Monday, December 9th, 2024 at 9:01 AM
Subject: Inquiry about Justice Sheri Eisenpress
To: tembeckjian@cjc.ny.gov <tembeckjian@cjc.ny.gov>, cjc@cjc.ny.gov <cjc@cjc.ny.gov>, czahner@cjc.ny.gov <czahner@cjc.ny.gov>
CC: RALafontaine <RALafontaine@protonmail.com>, Rick LaRivière <RickLaRiviere@proton.me>, mthomasnast@protonmail.com <mthomasnast@protonmail.com>, frankiepressman@protonmail.com <frankiepressman@protonmail.com>, Michael Volpe <mvolpe998@gmail.com>Good morning,
We are journalists preparing a story about the attached civil RICO complaint filed against NYS Supreme Court Justice Sheri Eisenpress. We request comment. Additionally, we ask about the Commission on Judicial Conduct's (CJC) process and its interaction with the Office of Court Administration (OCA):
CJC’s Role and Mandate
What steps does the Commission take when multiple complaints are filed against the same judge, as in the case of Justice Sheri Eisenpress?
How does the CJC prioritize cases involving allegations of systemic corruption, such as those outlined in the recent RICO complaint?
Does the Commission conduct routine audits of judicial behavior or rely solely on complaints to initiate investigations?
What role does the CJC see itself playing in preventing judicial misconduct, as opposed to merely responding to it?
Investigations into Justice Sheri Eisenpress
Has the CJC received complaints about Justice Sheri Eisenpress regarding her conduct in family court cases? If so, how many, and over what time period?
Can you confirm whether any of the allegations raised in the federal RICO complaint against Justice Eisenpress were previously brought to the CJC’s attention? If so, what was the outcome?
Was the CJC aware of allegations regarding potential conflicts of interest involving court-appointed professionals in Eisenpress’s cases? If yes, how were these addressed?
What specific criteria must be met for the CJC to take action against a judge accused of favoritism, bias, or financial improprieties?
Handling Complaints
What is the standard process for investigating judicial complaints? What mechanisms exist to ensure complaints are thoroughly reviewed?
Critics often allege that judicial immunity protects judges like Eisenpress from accountability. How does the CJC navigate these protections when investigating misconduct?
What steps does the CJC take to protect complainants from retaliation when they report misconduct by judges?
How does the CJC evaluate cases where judicial decisions appear to prioritize personal or financial interests over legal and ethical standards?
Transparency and Accountability
Why are outcomes of investigations into judges often shielded from public scrutiny? Shouldn’t transparency be a cornerstone of public trust?
In cases where no disciplinary action is taken, is the judge required to provide an explanation or justification for their actions?
Does the CJC inform complainants of the rationale behind dismissing a complaint, particularly when multiple affidavits or evidence are submitted?
How does the CJC balance protecting judicial independence with the need to hold judges accountable for serious misconduct?
Broader Issues in Judicial Conduct
Does the CJC have sufficient resources to investigate all complaints thoroughly, especially in cases involving systemic allegations like those against Justice Eisenpress?
How does the CJC address potential patterns of misconduct across multiple cases handled by the same judge?
Are there limitations in the CJC’s authority that hinder its ability to investigate or discipline judges accused of corruption?
Does the CJC believe reforms are needed to its structure or process to better address issues of judicial corruption and abuse of power?
Relationship with the Office of Court Administration (OCA)
How does the CJC coordinate with the Office of Court Administration when allegations of judicial misconduct also involve systemic failures in court administration?
Does the CJC share information with the OCA about judges who have received multiple complaints, such as Justice Eisenpress? If not, why not?
What is the CJC’s view on the OCA’s handling of complaints against judges? Should the OCA play a larger role in monitoring judicial behavior?
Specific Allegations Against Justice Eisenpress
What specific actions does the CJC take to investigate allegations that Justice Eisenpress ignored evidence of abuse in custody cases?
How does the CJC approach allegations that a judge financially benefits from relationships with court-appointed professionals?
Are there investigations into whether Eisenpress’s rulings disproportionately favored certain attorneys or professionals? If not, why haven’t these patterns been scrutinized?
Plaintiffs in the RICO complaint describe Eisenpress’s courtroom as a “family slaughterhouse.” Does the CJC believe such allegations warrant immediate suspension or other interim measures?
Public Confidence
How does the CJC plan to address the erosion of public trust in New York’s family courts, exacerbated by allegations against judges like Eisenpress?
Does the CJC believe its current disciplinary process is sufficient to deter judicial misconduct and corruption?
What message does the CJC have for litigants who feel powerless against judges they perceive as corrupt or biased?
Reflections on Leadership
What is Robert Tembeckjian’s response to critics who claim the CJC is ineffective in addressing judicial corruption?
Does Mr. Tembeckjian believe the CJC needs expanded powers or additional resources to fulfill its mandate more effectively?
How does the CJC measure its success in holding judges accountable and ensuring public trust in the judiciary?
Please let us know CJC's side of the story so we can present the same to an interested public.
Regards,
Richard Luthmann
Writer, Journalist, and Commentator
The Road Ahead
As the RICO complaint moves forward, families impacted by Eisenpress’s rulings hope for a measure of justice. Her courtroom remains a place of pain for those seeking fairness.
For plaintiffs like Fogarty, the fight is far from over. She closed her press conference with a stark warning:
“Sheri Eisenpress may think she’s untouchable, but we’re not stopping. Families deserve better, and we won’t back down.”
Thank you for this article. I am writing as the Grandmother of three children -each with their own attorney-- in a family court nightmare before Judge Eisenpress. I wonder if there is a way to promote justice. My daughter fears asking for a recusal. Bar Complaints are in process. Thank you for your input, "Grandma"