Ex-election workers seek Rudy Giuliani’s apartment, Yankees rings to collect $148M judgment

NEW YORK — Two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, have emerged victorious in their defamation case against Rudy Giuliani, winning a staggering judgment of $148 million. As they aim to collect on this significant debt, they have requested a court to seize Giuliani’s Madison Avenue apartment and other assets.

Their legal team filed documents in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan urging the court to compel Giuliani to hand over his property, which includes sports memorabilia such as three World Series rings and a signed shirt from baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.

In addition, Freeman and Moss assert a claim to about $2 million that they claim Giuliani has said is owed to him by Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign. They are also seeking control over Giuliani’s Palm Beach, Florida condominium via a legal procedure known as receivership.

This lawsuit follows the intense backlash Freeman and Moss encountered from Giuliani after Trump’s loss in the 2020 election, which led to serious threats against their lives. The women are hoping to recover some of the damages owed to them following the dismissal of Giuliani’s bankruptcy case last month, which had previously stalled their collection efforts.

Freeman and Moss’s lawyers emphasized the necessity of swift action, highlighting Giuliani’s patterns of “evasion, obstruction, and outright disobedience” in his legal dealings. Lawyer Aaron Nathan expressed frustration, stating that Giuliani’s strategy has come to an end.

Giuliani’s representative, Ted Goodman, denounced the filing as an attempt to “harass and intimidate” the former mayor while he appeals the judgment. He argued that the entire lawsuit was crafted to silence Giuliani and asserted that the judicial process has been manipulated against him for political reasons.

Giuliani, closely aligned with Trump, filed for bankruptcy in December, shortly after the monumental damages were awarded to Freeman and Moss. Their claim alleges that Giuliani’s unfounded accusations against them led to severe threats and a substantial fear for their personal safety.

As the bankruptcy proceedings unfolded, Freeman and Moss’s attorneys accused Giuliani of using the bankruptcy filing as a strategic maneuver to delay obligations and a way to avoid confronting creditors. Observers indicated he may have been concealing assets, leading to broader scrutiny.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane ultimately dismissed Giuliani’s bankruptcy case, labeling him a “recalcitrant debtor.” The judge expressed concern over Giuliani’s lack of transparency and dismissed claims that he intended to adhere to legal obligations stemming from the judgment.

Giuliani was accused of routing income from various sources—estimated at over $15,000 monthly from his now-cancelled radio show—into undisclosed businesses. He also reportedly failed to disclose initiatives related to his “Rudy Coffee” brand and a pending book contract.

This bankruptcy dismissal allows Freeman and Moss to pursue their claims for restitution more aggressively. It also permits Giuliani to continue his appeal against the defamation verdict.

After the conclusion of the bankruptcy case, Freeman and Moss’s legal team promptly acted to secure their judgment. This included placing liens on Giuliani’s properties in New York and Florida and demanding details about his assets through a subpoena. By the latest reports, Giuliani had not responded to this request.

For over a year, Giuliani has attempted to sell his Manhattan apartment, facing mounting debt and legal challenges. Initially listed for $6.5 million, the asking price has dipped to $5.7 million. His Palm Beach condo was appraised at around $3.5 million during the bankruptcy proceedings.

Freeman and Moss are also looking to claim a collection of Giuliani’s possessions, including numerous watches, a diamond ring, furniture, and a classic 1980 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Additionally, they aim to auction off significant memorabilia, with proceeds designated to partially settle their claims against him.

In total, the value of the assets and cash Freeman and Moss are targeting could exceed $10 million, still a fraction of what they are owed following the judgment against Giuliani.

This situation represents just one segment of Giuliani’s extensive legal troubles. The former New York City mayor, celebrated as “America’s Mayor” after September 11, faces disbarment proceedings in both New York and Washington, D.C., due to false assertions about the election. He is also dealing with criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona associated with efforts to contest the 2020 election results.

As of his last financial disclosures, Giuliani declared nearly $153 million in potential debts, highlighting the $148 million owed to Freeman and Moss, alongside significant tax liabilities. His reported assets ranged from $1 million to $10 million with minimal cash reserves reported recently.

In May, Giuliani’s expenditures were substantial, with notable payments allocated for his residences and daily expenses.