Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top staffer to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was charged by prosecutors on Thursday with using her power at City Hall to assist a hotel chain with building plans.
According to a statement from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Lewis-Martin was scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courthouse on Thursday to hear indictments against her, her son Glenn Martin II, and two real estate investors.
Lewis-Martin was “engaged in a long-running bribery, money laundering and conspiracy scheme by using her position and authority” in order “illegally influence Department of Buildings and other city decisions in exchange for more than $100,000 in cash and benefits for herself and her son, Glenn Martin II,” according to a statement released by Bragg.
Before her sudden resignation on Sunday, the defendant had served as Adams’ longtime chief adviser, bringing yet another turbulent period to the mayor of the largest city in America.
Three months ago, a federal grand jury accused Adams on counts of conspiracy, bribery, and campaign finance. In order to help the government circumvent New York City safety regulations and open a new consulate building, the mayor allegedly accepted costly gifts and unlawful political contributions from foreigners, including Turkish interests.
Officials and advisors have been leaving the Adams administration in large numbers in recent weeks.
According to people acquainted with the situation, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on September 12 amid a federal investigation of the department’s regulation of nightclubs.
Lisa Zornberg, Adams’ chief attorney, resigned on September 14 due to growing legal problems for her boss.
Originally scheduled to retire and leave office late this year, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks expedited his retirement to mid-October.
On October 8, Sheena Wright, the top deputy mayor of Adams, resigned.
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