Sotheby's Realtor Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged ICE Plot Against Partner
A luxury real estate agent with Sotheby's has been accused of orchestrating a shocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation against his wealthy undocumented Irish boyfriend, according to explosive court documents. The lawsuit alleges Nicholas Kjos, 45, "weaponized" his partner's immigration status in a calculated scheme to gain sole control of their multi-million dollar Tribeca apartment.
Twenty-Year Relationship Ends in Dramatic ICE Raid
The legal complaint details how Kjos allegedly unlocked their apartment door remotely last October, allowing eight armed ICE agents to enter and detain Patrick Moran, 46. This dramatic intervention allegedly followed Kjos falsely reporting that Moran had been selling crystal methamphetamine—a claim completely unsupported by evidence according to court filings.
The couple's relationship spanned nearly two decades, beginning in 2005 when mutual friends introduced them. At that time, Moran was a successful construction worker earning approximately $300,000 annually, while Kjos pursued a performing career on cruise ships with aspirations for Broadway success.
Financial Arrangements and Shared Assets
Court documents reveal that Moran's substantial income supported their lifestyle throughout their relationship. His earnings allegedly covered rent and utilities for their New York residence, expenses for a second home in San Antonio, Texas, down payments for Kjos's vehicles, home renovations, health insurance premiums, credit card bills, and various cash expenses.
The couple purchased their Tribeca apartment in September 2021 for $4.3 million, with the property placed entirely in Kjos's name. Their shared life included devotion to their Bernedoodle, Benji, who became "a beloved part of their shared life together" according to legal papers.
Relationship Deterioration and Alleged Threats
Tensions reportedly emerged during renovations of their New York apartment, with Moran claiming Kjos referred to him as a "f****** immigrant" and threatened to report him to authorities over his undocumented status. Although Moran initially attributed this behavior to renovation stress, he acknowledged their romantic relationship had ended.
The couple allegedly agreed to sell their San Antonio property, complete the Tribeca renovation, and sell that apartment before parting ways. However, as completion neared, Kjos reportedly ordered Moran to vacate the New York residence to facilitate its sale.
Escalation and ICE Intervention
In August of last year, Moran returned to their Tribeca apartment to discover a notice demanding he leave within ten days. When Moran sought legal recourse, Kjos's attorney allegedly falsely accused him of drug trafficking during court proceedings.
The complaint states that Kjos then contacted ICE directly, repeating the fabricated drug allegations "to escalate the justification of his detention." During the October 31 raid, agents thoroughly searched the apartment but found no evidence of drugs or drug-related activity.
Aftermath and Legal Action
Following Moran's removal from the apartment, Kjos allegedly used his phone app to remotely lock the door, which the complaint describes as "part of Defendant's scheme to evict Plaintiff, wrongfully obtain sole control, ownership and possession of the property."
Moran spent four weeks in ICE custody, including transportation to a facility in San Diego, before self-deporting to Ireland where he currently remains. He has initiated legal proceedings seeking half of the couple's shared assets and joint custody of their dog.
Emotional Fallout and Legal Representation
Speaking about the experience, Moran expressed profound sadness, stating, "It was just sad. I was in a relationship for 20 years with this person, and as far as I was concerned, there wasn't going to be another person."
His attorney, Andreas Vasilatos, revealed that Moran "disappeared into a blackhole" following the ICE arrest, with legal representatives unaware of his detention until friends and family in Ireland made contact. Kjos, who now maintains an established career with Sotheby's and was recently hired to sell an $11.5 million New York property, has not publicly commented on the allegations.
