Stephen L. Snyder Faces Extortion Charges Over $25 Million Consulting Deal with UMMS

Title: Attorney Accused of Extortion in $25 Million Consulting Proposal

Prominent attorney Stephen L. Snyder faces accusations of extortion against the University of Maryland Medical System. In a recorded 2018 meeting with hospital officials, Snyder suggested a $25 million consulting deal. He claimed this would prevent him from launching further cases against the hospital due to a conflict of interest.

Dr. DePriest Whye, CEO of the hospital’s insurance provider, noted that Snyder’s proposal raised concerns. “This sounds like extortion,” he said during the meeting. Snyder acknowledged the concern but stated he wanted to avoid any perception of wrongdoing.

Federal prosecutors claim Snyder’s offer included a threat to start a media campaign. He allegedly planned to accuse the hospital of transplanting diseased organs without patient consent. In exchange for his silence, he sought a large payment under the consulting guise. Snyder was indicted in 2020 on one count of attempted extortion and seven counts of violating the federal Travel Act.

The trial began with Whye testifying about the pressure felt during Snyder’s proposal. He had never encountered a lawyer attempting to arrange a separate payment like this. “We felt like we were being pressured, being blackmailed,” Whye stated.

Prosecutors highlighted several incriminating factors to support their case: the considerable sum requested, the questionable nature of the consulting arrangement, and Snyder’s insistence that discussions remain off the record. Snyder’s attempt to delete notes about the meetings further fueled suspicions.

Snyder, who is 77, is representing himself in court. He described the case as a malicious prosecution, leveraging his past successes as a renowned lawyer. He also mentioned philanthropic efforts, including funding for a facility treating Cerebral Palsy.

Before the consulting proposal, Snyder represented a widow whose husband died after a kidney transplant. With Snyder’s help, she settled with the hospital for $5 million. Snyder argued that the widow wanted him to secure the consulting deal to prevent similar incidents.

Under cross-examination, Snyder questioned Whye about his reputation as a malpractice lawyer. Whye acknowledged Snyder’s competence but refrained from labeling him the hospital’s best adversary. Snyder’s questioning often appeared more like historical narratives rather than inquiries, drawing warnings from U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman to stay focused on questioning.

As the trial continues, the outcome remains uncertain. The prosecution aims to prove that Snyder’s actions constituted extortion, while Snyder defends himself, asserting he is a victim of a wrongful prosecution.