Manhattan DA Investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ Real Estate Dealings and Alleged Bribery

Gavel next to indictment document on wooden table.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg launches a far-reaching corruption probe into New York City Hall, targeting Mayor Eric Adams and his inner circle.

At a Glance

Manhattan DA investigates NYC’s commercial property leasing practices and alleged bribery
Multiple corruption inquiries target Mayor Adams and his aides across city and federal jurisdictions
Investigators seized phones from key officials, including the mayor’s chief advisor
Adams faces separate indictment charges related to illegal campaign donations

Manhattan DA Launches Corruption Probe into NYC Hall

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has initiated a wide-ranging corruption investigation into New York City Hall, focusing on Mayor Eric Adams and his close associates. The probe centers on the city’s commercial property leasing practices and allegations of bribery, potentially compromising public trust in local government. This investigation is one of five corruption inquiries involving Mayor Adams and his aides, spanning both city and federal jurisdictions.

Investigators have seized phones from at least five individuals, including Mayor Adams’s chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, and a top real estate official. The seizures occurred at Kennedy Airport as Lewis-Martin returned from Japan, and authorities also searched her Brooklyn home. These actions suggest a significant escalation in the investigation’s scope and intensity.

Investigations into the dealings of the Adams administration are not only being done at the federal level: The Manhattan District Attorney's office is also involved.
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'As federal prosecutors scrutinize Mayor Eric Adams and his top aides, the Manhattan… pic.twitter.com/RWk4BEOcPv

— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) October 10, 2024

Allegations of Bribery and Illegal Campaign Donations

The investigation delves into possible bribery, money laundering, and other criminal activities. Concurrently, Mayor Adams faces separate indictment charges related to illegal campaign donations. The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan has served Lewis-Martin with a grand jury subpoena for documents linked to this separate indictment against the mayor.

“We are imperfect, but we’re not thieves, and I do believe that in the end, that the New York City public will see that we have not done anything illegal to the magnitude or scale that requires the federal government and the DA office to investigate us,” the top Adams aide previously said.

Despite these serious allegations, Lewis-Martin’s lawyer maintains her innocence and ethical conduct. The attorney stated, “Ingrid Lewis-Martin has conducted herself at the highest level of ethical standards while serving this city, and in due time all the facts will come out and will be supported by evidence and demonstrate everything was done properly.”

Widespread Scrutiny of NYC Officials

The corruption probe extends beyond Mayor Adams and his immediate circle. Former NYC Police Commissioner Edward Caban and his brother James are under investigation for unrelated allegations involving NYPD-related issues. Additionally, an investigation into former deputy mayor for public safety Philip Banks III involves his brother Terence Banks, who has contracts with city agencies.

The multiple investigations into Mayor Adams’ administration raise serious questions about the integrity of New York City’s leadership and the potential misuse of taxpayer resources. As these probes progress, it is crucial for citizens to stay informed and demand transparency from their elected officials. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for the future of New York City’s governance and public trust in local institutions.