New York City Mayor Eric Adams is supporting a close adviser and friend, Timothy Pearson, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation from female colleagues. Pearson, a former high-ranking official in the New York Police Department, is currently advising the mayor on public safety and was recently named in a lawsuit filed by Deputy Police Chief Miltiadis Marmara.
This is the fourth lawsuit within a year against Pearson, who is also under investigation by another city agency for his involvement in a brawl at a shelter for homeless migrants. Despite the allegations, Mayor Adams stated during a press briefing that Pearson remains a “good friend” and there have been no changes to his role in the administration.
Marmara, in the most recent lawsuit, detailed instances where he witnessed Pearson harassing female employees, including an incident at an office party where Pearson allegedly touched a female employee inappropriately. Marmara implemented a policy requiring a supervisor to accompany Pearson in the office to prevent him from being alone with female staff.
According to Marmara, he raised concerns to Mayor Adams’ brother, Bernard Adams, who was a deputy police commissioner at the time, but the claim was dismissed, attributing Pearson’s behavior to his usual conduct. Marmara further shared that Pearson boasted about his close relationship with the mayor and his ability to impact careers within the department.
Despite not having an official role in the police department, Pearson wields significant influence, particularly in officer promotions, which he personally approves. Marmara also alleged that Pearson attempted to hinder a female employee’s promotion unless she fulfilled his personal requests, such as becoming his driver.
Additionally, Marmara mentioned a complaint from a female pastor accusing Pearson of sexual abuse in the past. The complaint was reportedly filed with the department, although there was no response from the police department regarding this matter. The city’s Law Department declined to comment on the situation.
