Goldman Sachs Hires Ex-Prosecutor Robert Sobelman

Goldman Sachs has brought on Robert Sobelman, a former federal prosecutor known for handling the corruption case against retiring Mayor Eric Adams. This case was notably dropped under the Trump administration, leading to some controversy, according to reports.

A source close to Sobelman, who graduated from Colgate University and Brooklyn Law School, mentioned he is expected to start at David Solomon’s financial firm “soon.”

“Robert is stepping back from his role and plans to engage in research at Goldman,” the source shared, adding that this move aligns with a broader trend of departures from the Southern District of New York.

Sobelman has not provided any comments himself, and a spokesperson from Goldman Sachs also declined to elaborate.

The 39-year-old is currently leading the public corruption unit in the Southern District of New York City, Manhattan. His recent hiring follows a notable series of departures from the district, particularly after an order from the Trump administration to dismiss the case against Adams.

This trend includes former Manhattan interim U.S. attorney Daniel Sassoon, a conservative Trump appointee, who resisted Trump’s demand in February to drop the Adams case.

This spring, at least ten other federal prosecutors in Manhattan resigned amid the ongoing turmoil.

Sobelman has had considerable success in the Southern District, including his role in sending corrupt New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez to prison on bribery charges.

Additionally, in 2022, Sobelman led a lawsuit against Michael Avenatti, who infamously tried to extort $25 million from Nike and has since served time in prison.

Avenatti’s initial sentence was 14 years, later reduced to eight. He has also faced accusations of misappropriating funds from Stormy Daniels, the porn actress who claims to have had an affair with Trump.

Furthermore, Sobelman was involved in prosecuting Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, concerning alleged fraud linked to an online crowdfunding initiative called “We Build the Wall.” Bannon ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and avoided prison time.

David Kusnetz, a friend of Sobelman’s, praised him in Colgate University Magazine, indicating that his achievements in prosecuting influential politicians underscore his commitment to integrity and perseverance throughout his career.