Former top adviser to New York Mayor Eric Adams is accused of bribery and money laundering

Prosecutors on Thursday accused Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former top aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams, of using her influence at City Hall to help a hotel chain with construction plans.

Lewis-Martin was scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom Thursday to hear charges filed against her, her son Glenn Martin II and two real estate investors. Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, according to a statement from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Lewis-Martin “engaged in a long-running bribery, money laundering and conspiracy scheme by using her position and authority” to “illegally influence decisions made by the Department of Buildings and other cities for more than $100,000 in cash and money.” “To receive benefits for herself and her son, Glenn Martin II,” Bragg said in a filing with Manhattan Supreme Court.

Prosecutors called Lewis-Martin “the second most senior person in City Hall” and said she “abused her position and sold her influence to enrich herself and her family.”

“The indictment unsealed today can be summed up in three words: quid pro quo,” Bragg told reporters.

“Today’s indictment alleges and paints a clear picture: ‘You do this for me and I will do that for you.’ It was not in the best interest of the city of New York and those who live here.”

The defendant was Adams’ longtime senior adviser until her sudden resignation on Sunday, marking another tumultuous moment for the mayor of America’s largest city.

Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury three months ago on charges of bribery, campaign finance and conspiracy. The mayor allegedly received lavish gifts and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, including Turkish interests, to help the government bypass New York security guidelines and open a new consulate building.

The Adams government has seen a mass exodus of officials and advisers in recent weeks.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned Sept. 12 amid a federal investigation into the department’s nightclub enforcement, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Adams’ chief attorney, Lisa Zornberg, resigned on September 14 after her boss’s legal problems intensified.

New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks was scheduled to retire and step down at the end of the year, but postponed his resignation until mid-October.

Sheena Wright, Adams’ top deputy mayor, resigned Oct. 8.