The Boston Globe•9 months ago•

NYC Mayor's Top Aide Indicted in Bribery Scandal: $100,000 Porsche, Chick-fil-A Franchise, and Encrypted Messages

POLITICS

bribery

nycpolitics

corruption

mayoradams

indictment

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Summary:

Former top aide to NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on bribery charges.
Alleged scheme involved over $100,000 in payments and other benefits in exchange for expedited construction approvals.
Aide's son received funds, used to purchase a $113,000 Porsche, and assistance with business ventures, including a possible Chick-fil-A franchise.
Encrypted messaging app Signal used to conceal alleged illicit communications.
Mayor Adams is not implicated in the charges, but the case contributes to a string of investigations and resignations within his administration.

NYC Mayor's Top Aide Indicted in Major Bribery Scandal

A bombshell bribery case has rocked New York City, with the former chief advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, former top aide, pleads not guilty to charges of abusing her position for personal gain. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges an "unfettered, on-call, quid pro quo arrangement" where the aide and her son received over $100,000 and other benefits in exchange for expediting construction project approvals.

The Allegations

Prosecutors claim the scheme unfolded over nearly three years, involving developers seeking approvals for projects like a rooftop bar and a hotel. The aide allegedly pressured city officials to expedite approvals, and in return, her son received $100,000—some of which was used to purchase a $113,000 Porsche. The son also allegedly received assistance with business ventures, including a clothing line and an attempt to secure a Chick-fil-A franchise.

The aide attempted to conceal her actions by using the encrypted messaging app, Signal, to communicate with developers. One message exchange revealed a developer's plea for help with a stalled project, followed by the aide forwarding the request to the acting buildings commissioner. A meeting between the developer and a buildings department employee followed shortly after.

While the aide's lawyer claims she was merely "moving things along," prosecutors contend she abused her power to enrich herself and her family. The case does not implicate Mayor Adams in any criminal activity, according to Bragg.

Ongoing Investigations

This case adds to a series of investigations and resignations within Mayor Adams' administration, highlighting an ongoing pattern of scrutiny into the city's leadership. The mayor himself is facing separate federal charges, including bribery and wire fraud.

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Key Players Involved:

Former Top Aide: Pleaded not guilty to bribery charges.
Son of Top Aide: Received alleged payments and assistance with business ventures.
Developers: Accused of paying bribes in exchange for expedited approvals.

This developing story will continue to unfold, with far-reaching consequences for the city's government and its citizens.

Source: The Boston Globe