Allegations of Theft and Suicide Linked to Sen. Ron Wyden’s Family

A gay personal assistant has reportedly faced torture and was driven to suicide by the family of Democratic Senator Ron Wyden. It’s alleged that they stole money, jewelry, clothing, books, and valuable Disney passes from him, specifically from Wyden’s wife, Nancy Bass Wyden, who owns the Strand bookstore.

Bass Wyden, at 64 years old, recounted the supposed theft of $655,000 by her former assistant, Branden O’Brien, during a Supreme Court case in Manhattan against O’Brien’s husband, Thomas Maltezos.

O’Brien was said to have spent $1,200 on Christian Dior sneakers and indulged in various luxury items from Saks. He also allegedly purchased a Disney Incredi Pass for nearly $1,700. Court documents revealed he took an emerald pendant that originally belonged to Bass Wyden’s mother.

Furthermore, he is accused of stealing 37 books from the Strand, including hardcovers like Charles Darwin’s “Origin of Species,” valued close to $9,000, as indicated in legal filings.

It was claimed that O’Brien and Maltezos sold these items on Poshmark.

The assistant reportedly transferred more than $42,000 worth of gift cards using Bass Wyden’s Amazon points.

Although O’Brien resigned in September 2024 and was being investigated by the New York City Police Department, that investigation ceased when he took his own life in May at 35 years old.

Maltezos has denied the theft allegations, asserting that Bass Wyden allowed children to bully O’Brien with homophobic and inappropriate remarks, allegedly damaging his reputation to the extent that he couldn’t find work.

While Bass Wyden and her children primarily reside in New York, Senator Wyden divides his time between Oregon, Washington, D.C., and New York City, often voicing his criticisms of former President Trump.

Maltezos refuted the charges against him and his deceased husband. He argued that the claims against him are unfounded and designed to draw attention away from O’Brien’s alleged theft and manipulation of the household, including children who were just 14 and 9 when O’Brien started working there. Bass Wyden also labeled Maltezos an “accomplice” in the supposed theft.

Maltezos’ lawyers stated that the lawsuit appears to be retaliatory for his refusal to drop wrongful death and employment discrimination claims for his late husband. They insisted that rather than acknowledge the alleged homophobic treatment O’Brien faced, Bass Wyden chose to attack those pursuing justice.