In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Nancy Bass Wyden, the wife of Oregon Senator Ron Wyden and owner of the iconic Strand bookstore, claims that her former personal assistant, Brandon O’Brien, stole more than $650,000 from her.
The court papers say O’Brien took credit‑card data, jewelry, a 37‑book collection—including rare hardcovers from the Folio Society—and a pricey Disney Incredi‑pass. He allegedly sold the items on Poshmark and used her Amazon Points to buy gift cards worth over $42,000, sending the cash back to himself.
Key details of the theft
- High‑end purchases – O’Brien spent about $1,200 on Christian Dior sneakers and nearly $1,700 on the Disney pass.
- Book theft – 37 hardcover titles from The Strand, including On the Origin of Species and Metamorphosis, worth close to $9,000.
- Family‑owned credit cards – Accused of siphoning her credit‑card balance and using her Amazon Points to fund gift cards.
The case came after O’Brien quit his job in September 2024. The New York Police Department had opened a probe, but it was dropped after O’Brien took his own life in May, aged 35.
Thomas Maltezos, O’Brien’s husband, is the swim‑garnered target of the suit. He denies the theft allegations and countersued, saying his wife’s children made homophobic and sexually explicit remarks that harmed him and hindered his job search. Maltezos’ lawyers claim the lawsuit is retaliation for his own complaints of wrongful death and discrimination after O’Brien’s death.
Family dynamics
Nancy Bass Wyden spends most of her time in New York with her children, while Senator Ron Wyden balances life in Oregon, Washington, and the U.S. capital. The lawsuit claims her family’s “retaliatory” motive is aimed at covering up O’Brien’s alleged systematic theft and abuse.
Legal experts said the lawsuit could be “a blatant act of retaliation,” aiming to distract from the documented homophobic slurs and abuse O’Brien endured, according to Maltezos’ attorneys Reyna Lubin and Eric Baum.
What’s next
Both sides face court dates as the case continues. The lawsuit could have broader implications for personal assistants and high‑profile families, especially those tied to political figures like Senator Ron Wyden.
For updates on the Nancy Bass Wyden vs. Brandon O’Brien lawsuit and related legal drama, stay tuned to our news coverage.
Source: New York Post
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