NYC Mayor Adams' Former Chief of Staff and Brooklyn Monsignor Under Federal Scrutiny

Federal Investigation Targets Former Adams Aide and Brooklyn Monsignor

Federal investigators are examining potential business dealings between Frank Carone, a former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams, and Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello of the Brooklyn Diocese.

Sources reveal that a Catholic church in Brooklyn received a subpoena requesting information about financial or business transactions between Carone and Gigantiello, who have been friends for decades.

While neither Carone nor Gigantiello has been charged with any wrongdoing, the federal inquiry is still in its early stages. The Brooklyn Diocese has stated its commitment to fully cooperating with law enforcement in all investigations.

Carone, reached for comment, asserted that he is unaware of any criminal investigation involving him or the monsignor. Gigantiello declined to comment, but his attorney, Arthur Aidala, stated that he is not aware of any investigations targeting Gigantiello.

Carone's Consulting Firm and Past City Hall Connections

Carone, a lawyer, left the mayor's office after serving less than a year as chief of staff. Shortly after, he established a private consulting firm, Oaktree Solutions, which advises a diverse range of high-paying clients, some of whom conduct business with the city. While no accusations of wrongdoing have been made, some City Council members have questioned whether Carone leveraged his City Hall connections to build his business while simultaneously raising funds for Adams' re-election campaign.

Monsignor Gigantiello: Controversy and Charitable Work

Gigantiello, known for his love of cooking, has a line of pasta sauce called "A Taste of Heaven," with proceeds donated to charity. He was demoted in 2023 after pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed a controversial music video at his Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Williamsburg. Gigantiello expressed regret for the incident, claiming he was unaware of the video's content.

Wider Investigations into City Hall and NYPD

The scrutiny surrounding Carone and Gigantiello comes amidst four separate ongoing federal investigations into City Hall, the NYPD, and Adams' past campaign fundraising. These investigations, which have already led to the NYPD commissioner's resignation and the seizure of several top mayoral aides' phones by the FBI, are ongoing.

Sources indicate that Carone and Gigantiello are now facing scrutiny from federal prosecutors in a separate matter. Spokespeople for the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI, IRS, and New York City's Department of Investigation have declined to comment on the matter.