A lawyer who played a key role in defending Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial is now facing serious accusations related to the murder of one of his employees.
John Umberger, a 33-year-old political consultant, was killed in 2022 while visiting gay bars and nightclubs in New York City. Prosecutors say his death was part of a larger scheme in which criminals drugged victims with a mix that included fentanyl, then used facial recognition on their phones to access bank accounts and steal money. Another young man, 25-year-old Julio Ramirez, was also killed in the same way.
Three men — Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert DeMaio, and Jacob Barroso — were convicted for their roles in these murders and sentenced to decades in prison. The crimes were part of a larger pattern that prosecutors described as a robbery ring targeting victims in nightlife areas.
Now, John Umberger’s mother, Linda Clary Umberger, is suing Jay Sekulow, a well-known conservative attorney who defended Trump during impeachment, as well as his son, Jordan. She claims they tried to hide details of her son’s murder and made it harder for her to get a life insurance payout. The lawsuit, seeking over \$20 million in damages, was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court.
According to the complaint, John was working for the Sekulows’ legal group, the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), which is known for its Christian conservative stance. The suit alleges they had hired him to help establish a New York office and that they didn’t want the public to know they had spent \$16.5 million on New York real estate or that they had employed a gay man who was later murdered. The lawsuit also names another nonprofit linked to Sekulow, Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism (CASE), and claims their attitude toward the grieving family ranged from unhelpful to openly hostile.
The lawsuit accuses the Sekulows of focusing more on protecting their public image and finances than on helping uncover the truth about what happened to John. The complaint says they preferred the situation to be dealt with quietly, avoiding attention that might raise questions about their financial practices or their hiring decisions.
In response, the Sekulows’ attorney, Michael Bowe, denied the allegations, saying the claims are untrue and will be proven so during the legal process. He expressed sorrow over John Umberger’s death and described him as a valued colleague.
Jay Sekulow rose to national prominence as one of Trump’s personal attorneys, defending him during the Senate trial that followed the first impeachment. He also played a key role during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The lawsuit adds a new and complex chapter to a case already marked by tragedy, raising questions not just about a horrific crime but also about how institutions handle such events behind closed doors.
