Josh Nass, a lobbyist with connections in President Trump's orbit, was arrested Friday on an extortion charge after allegedly plotting violent threats against his own client. Nass received $100,000 to secure a pardon for Joseph Schwartz, a former nursing home executive convicted of tax crimes, but demanded an additional $500,000 from the client's family.

The case highlights the growing industry of presidential pardon advocacy, which has become increasingly sophisticated since Trump's term. Nass reportedly began lobbying for Schwartz the day before the pardon was signed, then attended the White House Hanukkah party with his freed client before allegedly threatening violence to collect his full fee.

Nass's arrest comes amid growing scrutiny of how clemency decisions are influenced by money and political connections. The 34-year-old lobbyist was taken into custody after meeting with potential clients seeking similar pardon services, demonstrating how the pardon market continues to raise ethical concerns in Washington's corridors of power.