By Richard Luthmann
Private Investigator Manuel Gomez, renowned for his relentless pursuit of truth, is leading the battle against corruption in New York’s family courts.
His latest challenge involves a groundbreaking federal Civil RICO (Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization) case against New York State Supreme Court Justice Sheri Eisenpress, accused of systemic judicial misconduct that has torn families apart and left victims financially and emotionally shattered.
“This is unprecedented,” Gomez said during an exclusive interview. “For the first time, two judges face simultaneous RICO charges, and the evidence is overwhelming.”
Journalists Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe discussed the emergence of Civil RICO cases on a recent episode of The Unknown Podcast.
A Relentless Investigator
Gomez, a retired counterintelligence officer turned private investigator, is no stranger to confronting corruption. Through his firm, Black Ops Private Investigators, he has uncovered fraud, exposed abuse of power, and sought justice for victims.
This time, he represents Sai Malena Jimenez Fogarty, whose fight for her children has become emblematic of the systemic issues plaguing family courts. Gomez spent twelve hours working with Fogarty to craft a detailed Civil RICO complaint, which includes over 300 pages of evidence documenting Eisenpress's alleged misconduct.
“Pictures don’t lie,” Gomez said. “We’ve documented everything—from injuries to financial fraud. This case is airtight.”
Shocking Allegations Against Judge Eisenpress
The allegations against Judge Eisenpress are staggering. The complaint accuses her of favoring politically connected attorneys and steering lucrative appointments to court-appointed professionals in exchange for financial and political benefits.
Evidence in the case points to rulings that ignored credible reports of abuse and instead prioritized personal and professional relationships.
Gomez highlighted one particularly egregious incident: “When Judge Eisenpress took Ms. Fogarty’s children, her company, and everything she owned, it wasn’t just an injustice—it was corruption in its purest form. We have evidence of political donations made to the judge right after her rulings. The receipts don’t lie.”
Challenging Judicial Immunity
Central to Gomez’s mission is challenging the judicial immunity that shields judges from accountability. A fierce critic of the doctrine, Gomez has written the Truthfulness in Decisions Act, a legislative proposal aimed at removing judicial immunity in cases of proven misconduct.
“Judges are supposed to uphold the law, not break it,” Gomez explained. “In New York, some judges have had 80 or 90 cases overturned for not following the law, yet they remain on the bench. That’s unacceptable.”
The legislation, which Gomez is championing as a solution to the problems highlighted in the Eisenpress case, would implement stricter accountability measures and provide pathways for victims of judicial misconduct to seek justice.
Small Victories Amid Larger Battles
Gomez’s efforts are already yielding results. In a rare move, the New York Commission on Judicial Conduct brought Judge Eisenpress before a hearing, ultimately leading to her demotion to Orange County. While this marked a significant victory, Gomez remains unsatisfied.
“She’s still on the bench,” he said. “She should be removed entirely. This isn’t justice—it’s a slap on the wrist.”
The case has also attracted federal scrutiny, with subpoenas issued to investigate Eisenpress’s financial dealings. A Southern District Court judge, committed to transparency, has ensured the case will proceed despite attempts to dismiss it.
“This is huge,” Gomez said. “We’re seeing real progress, and it’s about time.”
Facing Intimidation and Resistance
The path to holding Eisenpress accountable has not been easy. Gomez recounted his experience serving legal documents to court officials, describing resistance and intimidation tactics.
“When I went to serve the judges, they tried to stop me,” he said. “I had to jam 500 pages of evidence through a bulletproof glass window. They almost arrested me for filming the exchange, but I stood my ground.”
His resolve exemplifies the determination required to confront deeply entrenched corruption.
A Vision for Systemic Change
Gomez’s work extends beyond the Eisenpress case. Through his legislative initiatives, he seeks to address broader issues within the judicial system.
“This case is my poster child for judicial reform,” Gomez said. “We need accountability, transparency, and consequences for those who abuse their power.”
The Truthfulness in Decisions Act, available on the Black Ops Private Investigators website, provides a framework for increasing oversight and ensuring fairness in court proceedings.
“Judges like Eisenpress shouldn’t be above the law,” Gomez emphasized.
Hope for Victims
For Sai Malena Jimenez Fogarty, the fight is deeply personal. Her case, marked by what she describes as blatant disregard for evidence and bias in favor of her ex-husband, has become a rallying point for others impacted by family court corruption.
“This isn’t just about my kids,” she said in a recent press conference. “It’s about every family torn apart by corruption. We demand accountability.”
Gomez’s advocacy and meticulous documentation of the case have given Fogarty hope and amplified calls for reform.
Restoring Trust in the System
As the case progresses in federal court, Gomez remains focused on the larger battle against judicial corruption. His work has inspired others to speak out and demand change, bringing attention to a system that too often operates without transparency or accountability.
“This isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning,” Gomez said. “We’re going to keep fighting until the system works for everyone.”
The Eisenpress case is a stark reminder of the urgent need for judicial reform. It has exposed vulnerabilities in a system that should prioritize justice but often protects the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.
Through his relentless pursuit of truth, Manuel Gomez is advocating for one family and paving the way for systemic change in New York’s family courts. Families deserve better, and Gomez is determined to ensure they get it.
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