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Criminal investigations into the Adams administration

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Eric Adams

Several members of the administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams are currently under federal investigation for a variety of potential crimes, including accepting straw donors, corruption, bribery and more. Adams himself has yet to be implicated in any potential crimes, though his 2021 campaign is being investigated. The investigations are being run, separately, by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York.

The panoply of investigations arguably constitutes the most significant crisis to engulf New York City's municipal government since a series of interlocking Democratic Party patronage scandals in 1986-89 (corresponding to the third term of Ed Koch's mayoralty) that stemmed from myriad influence-peddling and job-appointment schemes, ultimately precipitating the suicide of Queens Borough President Donald Manes; the concomitant downfall of longtime Brooklyn Democratic leader Meade Esposito; Koch's own contemplation of suicide; the abolishment of the New York City Board of Estimate (through the long-gestating Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris, which targeted the Esposito-Koch machine's statutory authority as early as 1981); and the respective political ascents of future Mayors David Dinkins and Rudy Giuliani. In contrast to the current scandal, venerable political consultant George Arzt has noted that "most of the top brass of the administration" were ultimately exculpated during the Koch affair, which centered around comparatively indirect malfeasance by clubhouse political figures and business interests.[1]

FBI investigation into 2021 mayoral campaign

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Background

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See also: 2021 New York City mayoral election

Adams's fundraising efforts have attracted scrutiny. In 2018, real estate developer David Schwartz met with Adams, then-borough president of Brooklyn, and donated to his campaign. Adams endorsed zoning changes sought by Slate Property Group, Schwartz's company, to construct a skyscraper taller than as allowed by zoning laws.[2] In May 2021, employees of the Brooklyn construction firm KSK Construction donated a total of US$14,000 to Adams's mayoral campaign, allowing the campaign to qualify for US$18,000 in public matching funds. According to Politico, of the firm's eleven employees, ten had not made a prior political donation; co-owner Erden Arkan last donated to former Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz's campaign in 2009.[3]

Adams has boasted his support for Turkey, stating that no other mayor in New York City history had visited the country as much as he did.[4] In August 2015, the consulate-general of Turkey paid for Adams's trip to the country. After securing the Democratic mayoral primary in July, Adams urged then-fire commissioner Daniel A. Nigro to allow the government of Turkey to occupy the Turkish House; the New York City Fire Department declined to sign off on the building, citing fire safety issues.[5] During his borough presidency, Adams met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.[6]

Investigation

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In spring 2023,[5] the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York[7] began a corruption investigation into alleged straw donors from the government of Turkey through construction company KSK Construction to the Adams's 2021 campaign.

On November 2, 2023, investigators raided the Brooklyn home of Brianna Suggs, Adams's chief fundraiser. The search warrant, obtained by The New York Times, states agents seized three iPhones, two laptops, contribution card binders, and other documents.[4] The Federal Bureau of Investigation searched a dozen locations that day,[8] including the residence of former Turkish Airlines executive Cenk Öcal and international affairs aide Rana Abbasova.[9] On November 3, investigators questioned Nigro over the Turkish House.[5] Days after the raid at Suggs's home, the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized at least two of Adams's cellphones and an iPad. Adams's campaign cooperated with the FBI's request.[10] The New York Times initially reported the seizures.[7]

On April 5, the Times reported that the FBI is investigating flight upgrades Adams purportedly received on Turkish Airlines flights.[11] In July, investigators served grand jury subpoenas.[12]

NYPD, Caban brothers possible investigation

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Edward Caban resigned his role as NYPD Commissioner after having his phone seized by federal agents

Federal agents, at the direction of the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, seized the phone of New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban. The probe focuses on nightclub protection services owned by Caban's twin brother, James Caban, who was fired from the NYPD in 2001 and also had his phone seized.[13] Edward Caban resigned on September 12, at the request of the Adams administration.[14] According to Caban's lawyers, he has been told he is not a subject of investigation.[15]

Banks brothers bribery and corruption investigation

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The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is investigating a possible bribery scheme focusing on the consulting firm of Terence Banks, the brother of Philip Banks III, deputy mayor of New York City for public safety, and David C. Banks, the schools chancellor. Philip and David oversee agencies that have received contracts with Terence's company, The Pearl Alliance. All three brothers have had their phones seized.[16][13]

In September 2024, search warrants were served to employees of SaferWatch– a client company of The Pearl Alliance– in relation to the possible corruption investigation.[17] The New York City Police Department paid SaferWatch more than $67,000 since August 2023 for "school safety" services.[18]

Winnie Greco investigation

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On February 29, 2024, The New York Times reported that the FBI searched two houses owned by Winnie Greco, Adams's Asian affairs advisor.[19][20] Greco was also a prominent fundraiser for Adams's 2021 mayoral campaign. The investigation is being conducted by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.[13]

Other phone seizures

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Timothy Pearson, a retired police inspector, and a senior advisor to Adams had his phone seized by federal agents. It's unclear what investigation Pearson's phone seizure relates to.[16]

The phone of Sheena Wright, the deputy mayor and fiancé of David Banks, was also seized.[16]

Reactions

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Eric Adams

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Adams canceled several meetings at the White House to discuss the New York City migrant housing crisis following the raid. At a Day of the Dead celebration at Gracie Mansion that night, Adams stated that his campaign was up to the "highest ethical standards".[4] Adams denied the accusations at a press conference at New York City Hall press conference the following week, disclosing that he had retained the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.[21]

Following a report from The New York Times that Adams was being investigated over the construction of the Turkish House, Adams further denied wrongdoing[22] and assured that he would continue to cooperate with investigators.[23] Adams and the City Hall's chief counsel requested the Federal Bureau of Investigation cease leaks of its investigation.[24]

Democratic Party

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Brooklyn Democratic Party chairwoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn questioned if the inquiry was related to Adams' race.[25] State senator Leroy Comrie called the investigation a witch hunt.[26]

Calls to resign

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On September 13, 2024, Assembymember Emily Gallagher and State Senator Julia Salazar called for Adams to resign following numerous Caban's resignation; City Councilmembers Tiffany Caban and Alexa Aviles concurred on September 16, describing Adams as "unfit to lead our city" and "unfit to govern" respectively.[27]

Republican Party

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Representative Brandon Williams accused the investigation of being a "weaponization of the justice system" against Adams' critical comments towards president Joe Biden. New York City Council minority leader Joe Borelli defended Adams on Twitter.[26]

Media analysis

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The New York Post's editorial board questioned if the investigation could be political retribution. Politico compared the rhetoric among Adams's supporters with Donald Trump's supporters.[26]

See also

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  • John Liu, a New York City mayoral candidate accused of using straw donors in 2013.

References

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  1. ^ https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/09/ive-never-seen-anything-so-widespread-political-operatives-note-unprecedented-federal-action-adams-admin-raids/399359/
  2. ^ Rothfeld, Michael (May 16, 2021). "How Eric Adams, Mayoral Candidate, Mixed Money and Political Ambition". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  3. ^ Chadha, Janaki (November 7, 2023). "A construction firm rarely made campaign contributions. Then Adams ran". Politico. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Rashbaum, William; Rubinstein, Dana; Mays, Jeffrey (November 2, 2023). "U.S. Investigating Whether Adams Received Illegal Donations From Turkey". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Rashbaum, William; Rubinstein, Dana; Rothfeld, Michael (November 12, 2023). "F.B.I. Examining Whether Adams Cleared Red Tape for Turkish Government". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Fitzsimmons, Emma (November 14, 2023). "Eric Adams's Turkey Ties: Travel, Donations and a Meeting With Erdogan". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Scannell, Kara; Pazmino, Gloria (10 November 2023). "FBI seizes New York City Mayor Eric Adams' phones as part of federal investigation into fundraising". CNN. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  8. ^ Miller, John (November 14, 2023). "Investigation into NYC Mayor Adams focused on campaign money and possible foreign influence". CNN. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  9. ^ Rashbaum, William; Rothfeld, Michael; Rubinstein, Dana; Hong, Nicole (November 16, 2023). "F.B.I. Raided Homes of Second Adams Aide and Ex-Turkish Airline Official". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  10. ^ Rashbaum, William; Rubinstein, Dana; Rothfeld, Michael (November 10, 2023). "F.B.I. Seizes Eric Adams's Phones as Campaign Investigation Intensifies". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  11. ^ Rashbaum, William K.; Rothfeld, Michael; Rubinstein, Dana (April 5, 2024). "F.B.I. Examining Free Airfare Upgrades Received by Adams". The New York Times. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  12. ^ Rashbaum, William; Rubinstein, Dana (August 15, 2024). "Eric Adams and His Campaign Receive Subpoenas in Federal Investigation". The New York Times. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c LaForgia, Michael (September 12, 2024). "Here Are the Investigations Surrounding the Administration of Eric Adams". The New York Times. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  14. ^ Jacobs, Shayna (2024-09-12). "NYPD commissioner resigns amid federal corruption probe". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  15. ^ Ngo, Emily (September 12, 2024). "Top cop bounces, political left pounces". Politico.
  16. ^ a b c "Firm Run by Brother of Top N.Y.C. Officials Is Focus of Bribery Inquiry". The New York Times. September 10, 2024.
  17. ^ Simko-Bednarski, Evan; Sommerfeldt, Chris; Bamberger, Cayla (13 September 2024). "Federal investigators search private firm that hired Terence Banks as part of NYC corruption probe". New York Daily News. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  18. ^ Simko-Bednarski, Evan (2024-09-08). "Terence Banks, brother of top NYC officials who is ensnared in federal probe, has clients with city contracts". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  19. ^ Rashbaum, William; Fitzsimmons, Emma (February 29, 2024). "F.B.I. Searches Houses Owned by Adams's Asian Affairs Adviser". The New York Times. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  20. ^ Anuta, Joe; Coltin, Jeff (March 4, 2024). "Meet the New York City Hall community liaison whose house was raided by the FBI". Politico. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  21. ^ Dana, Rubinstein; Rashbaum, William (November 8, 2023). "Mayor Adams Denies Wrongdoing and Retains Lawyer After Federal Raid". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  22. ^ Sforza, Lauren (November 13, 2023). "Eric Adams on latest NYT report: 'I have not been accused of wrongdoing'". The Hill. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  23. ^ Morales, Mark; Pazmino, Gloria; Beech, Samantha (12 November 2023). "New York Mayor Eric Adams says he'll continue to work with investigators as NYT reports new details on FBI probe". CNN. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  24. ^ Rozner, Lisa (November 13, 2023). "Mayor Eric Adams, City Hall ask FBI to cease leaks of campaign financing probe". CBS News. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  25. ^ Fitzsimmons, Emma; Mays, Jeffrey (November 3, 2023). "F.B.I. Raid of Adams Ally Brings Corruption Question to Mayor's Doorstep". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  26. ^ a b c Coltin, Jeff; Anuta, Joe (November 15, 2023). "Republicans think Adams, like Trump, is getting a raw deal with the feds". Politico. Archived from the original on November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  27. ^ Mendez (September 16, 2024). "Who is calling on Eric Adams to resign?". City & State. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Text "https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/09/who-calling-eric-adams-resign/399570/" ignored (help)

Further reading

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