NEW YORK — Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former senior advisor to New York Mayor Eric Adams, is prepared for impending criminal charges related to alleged unethical gifts, according to her attorney. On Sunday, Lewis-Martin unexpectedly announced her resignation from the role of chief adviser, marking a significant departure amidst ongoing criminal investigations within the mayor’s administration. Officially, the mayor’s office characterized her exit as a planned retirement.
At a press conference on Monday, Lewis-Martin’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, revealed that she had been asked to testify before a grand jury investigating potential charges. However, Lewis-Martin chose not to participate, believing that the investigation’s outcome seemed predetermined. Aidala expressed a desire for their side to explain certain emails and text messages that could be misinterpreted, asserting that these communications are “easily explained away.”
Aidala mentioned that the allegations center on gifts received by Lewis-Martin, but he refrained from disclosing further specifics, suggesting instead that the case may be influenced by political agendas. He alleged that the prosecution could be crafting a narrative to paint a troubling picture of the circumstances, stating, “We know the truth, and the truth is Ingrid Lewis-Martin never broke the law.”
Lewis-Martin herself voiced her concerns, claiming she has been subject to unfounded accusations, stating, “I have never taken any gifts, money, anything. I have not made any arrangements to receive any gifts or money.” Her resignation comes at a time when Mayor Adams faces his own legal issues, including federal corruption allegations.
Adams is accused of accepting luxurious travel benefits and unlawful campaign contributions from foreign entities seeking to influence his actions. He has denied these charges. The federal probe into his activities launched in November 2023, following a search at the residence of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, whom Lewis-Martin refers to as her goddaughter.
Aidala asserted that Lewis-Martin is likely being targeted as part of a strategy to elicit cooperation against Adams, with the anticipation that she may be indicted alongside other individuals. However, he did not specify who might also be charged. A spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to provide comments on the matter, emphasizing the office’s commitment to conducting investigations with integrity.
During a news conference on Monday, Mayor Adams did not address the potential charges against Lewis-Martin. In September, Manhattan prosecutors executed a search at Lewis-Martin’s home and seized her phones after meeting her at an airport upon her return from Japan.
Following the search, Lewis-Martin appeared on Aidala’s radio show, expressing optimism that the public would eventually understand there was no misconduct warranting such scrutiny from federal and district attorneys. Lewis-Martin has had a long-standing relationship with Adams, having worked closely alongside him throughout his career as a state senator, Brooklyn borough president, and mayor. She mentioned that their first meeting took place almost 40 years ago at the New York City police academy, where both she and her husband were.
In a written statement regarding Lewis-Martin’s retirement, Adams conveyed his personal sentiments, referring to her as a friend and confidant who has been like a sister to him. Adams remarked, “It is hard to know that Ingrid won’t be right next door every day,” and acknowledged that while their departure was anticipated, the emotional impact was still significant.
In her official retirement statement, Lewis-Martin reflected on her journey with Adams as an “amazing ride,” indicating a desire to shift her focus towards her family and herself in this new chapter of her life.
