Former Eric Adams aide faces fresh charges over alleged bribery schemes
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Ingrid Lewis-Martin, former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, arrives at state court in New York on Dec. 19, 2024. Photo: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images
New York City Mayor Eric Adams' former chief adviser allegedly collected thousands of dollars and other benefits in a series of bribery schemes while working for the city, according to new indictments.
The big picture: While the embattled Adams sidestepped his own corruption case, legal woes and scandals continue to plague those in his inner circle as he mounts a bid for a second term.
- The Trump Justice Department in February asked federal prosecutors to drop the charges against Adams, prompting an exodus of federal prosecutors who resisted the DOJ's order.
Driving the news: The new indictments allege that Ingrid Lewis-Martin promoted her co-conspirators' projects and overrode city officials for their benefit.
- She and one of her co-defendants, her son, collected over $75,000 in benefits through their schemes, prosecutors in the Manhattan district attorney's office alleged.
- Those schemes included intervening for an individual to receive approval for residential renovations in exchange for nearly $10,000 worth of catering and helping to expedite decisions on a karaoke club. In return, her son was allegedly paid at least $50,000.
What they're saying: Arthur Aidala, Lewis-Martin's attorney, said in a statement provided to Axios that "[h]er only so-called 'offense' was fulfilling her duty—helping fellow citizens navigate the City's outdated and often overwhelming bureaucracy."
- "At no point did she receive a single dollar or any personal benefit for her assistance," he added, describing the case as "lawfare."
- Adams emphasized in a statement provided by his office to Axios that he has not been accused of any wrongdoing and that his "focus remains on serving the 8.5 million New Yorkers by making our city safer and more affordable every day."
- He continued, "While Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration, she has been a friend and colleague for over 40 years, and I know her as a devoted public servant; she has declared her innocence, and my prayers are with her and her family."
State of play: She was charged with four counts of conspiracy and four counts of bribe receiving, according to a release from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office.
- "As alleged, Lewis-Martin consistently overrode the expertise of public servants so she could line her own pockets," Bragg said in a statement. "While she allegedly received more than $75,000 in bribes and an appearance on a TV show, every other New Yorker lost out."
Zoom out: The indictments charge seven people in total.
- Lewis-Martin was charged alongside her son, Glenn D. Martin II; Jesse Hamilton, a former state senator and a deputy commissioner at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services; two supporters of Adams who run a production company and two other businesses.
Context: In just months, Adams will face voters, this time running to lead the city as an independent candidate.
- The new indictments further entangle the already complex web of controversies and scandals miring the Adams administration and its allies.
- As cited in the new indictments, Lewis-Martin and her son were indicted last year in connection with another alleged bribery scheme.
- In total, the multi-year investigation alleges that Lewis-Martin accepted more than more than $175,000 in bribes and other additional personal benefits.
Go deeper: READ: Prosecutors' resignation letters after refusing to drop Eric Adams case
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comments from Lewis-Martin's lawyer and Adams.
