Today, August 21st, former aide and long-time close friend of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, is set to appear in Manhattan court to face new corruption charges.
According to the New York Post, Manhattan prosecutors are expected to accuse Lewis-Martin of accepting a series of high-end dining and other bribes in exchange for favorable treatment in government redevelopment projects.
Authorities are also investigating whether these businessmen footed the bill for some of Lewis-Martin’s infamous karaoke parties. Details of the indictment are not yet clear, but sources believe the case is related to the redevelopment of several blocks along McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn.
Lewis-Martin’s lawyer confirmed to amNY that she will appear in Manhattan court on Thursday.
While the nature of the charges remains unclear, her lawyer insists that Lewis-Martin is innocent and will seek to expedite the trial to move the judicial process forward.
Last year, following a vacation overseas, the residence of this former senior Adams administration official was searched by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and her phone was confiscated.
The initial indictment against Lewis-Martin alleged that she received $100,000 in bribes from two Manhattan businessmen to purchase a Porsche for her son, in exchange for ensuring that the Buildings Department offered concessions to these businessmen. Lewis-Martin has consistently maintained her innocence.
However, in mid-December last year, Lewis-Martin abruptly resigned from her position at City Hall; she was one of several top city government officials who resigned amidst federal and state investigations into Adams’ official dealings.
These latest charges against Lewis-Martin come as Adams is gearing up for re-election, and the mayor has been trying to distance himself from the corruption scandals that have plagued his administration, including cases that have now been dismissed by federal authorities.
A spokesperson for Adams told the media that the mayor “was not involved in this matter, nor has he been charged or implicated in any way,” further adding that “Lewis-Martin no longer serves in this administration.”