NEW YORK — Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who served as the chief advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, turned herself in on Thursday to address corruption allegations. This development marks another challenge for the mayor, whose administration is already facing scrutiny from law enforcement due to various probes involving his close aides and supporters.
Lewis-Martin, who stepped down from her influential role in City Hall just days prior, arrived early Thursday morning at the downtown Manhattan office of District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Following her appearance, Bragg and Jocelyn Strauber, the commissioner of the city’s Department of Investigation, scheduled a press conference for later in the afternoon. While the exact details of the event were not disclosed, sources familiar with the investigation indicated that Lewis-Martin would be arraigned on the charges brought by the DA’s office.
Although the specific charges against her remain unpublicized, sources mentioned that Lewis-Martin is anticipated to face allegations associated with the acceptance of improper gifts. Attempts to obtain comments from both the district attorney’s office and Lewis-Martin’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, went unanswered on Thursday. The Department of Investigation also refrained from making any statements regarding the case.
In her defense, Lewis-Martin proclaimed this week that she is a victim of false accusations, asserting that she never arranged to accept gifts or money in exchange for performing her duties. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment amidst the ongoing turmoil within the Adams administration, which has been rocked by various criminal investigations.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, is facing his own legal troubles, having pleaded not guilty to a host of charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery, in a separate federal case that is set for trial next April.
Lewis-Martin, 63, has been a close ally of Adams, playing significant roles as he navigated his political career in New York for nearly two decades. Interesting developments in her case occurred in September when federal prosecutors met her at an airport upon her return from Japan, serving her with a subpoena. Concurrently, Manhattan prosecutors seized her phones and executed a search warrant at her home.
The ongoing legal scrutiny of Mayor Adams intensified following allegations that he accepted extravagant travel benefits and illicit campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign entities seeking to gain influence. This investigation garnered widespread attention last year after federal agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Brianna Suggs, the mayor’s primary fundraiser, with Lewis-Martin stating that Suggs is like a goddaughter to her.
In the fallout of these investigations, the administration has experienced a wave of departures, including the resignations of various high-ranking officials, such as the police commissioner, schools chancellor, and several deputy mayors, highlighting the challenges currently confronting Mayor Adams.