Federal Authorities Serve Mayor Eric Adams’s Aide with Subpoena
Federal authorities served Ingrid Lewis-Martin, one of Mayor Eric Adams’s closest aides, with a subpoena as soon as she landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport after returning from a vacation to Japan, her lawyer confirmed to THE CITY.
Handover of Phones and Raid on Home
Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said Lewis-Martin also handed over her phones to representatives from the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, the first indication his office is involved in investigations into the Adams administration, in addition to inquiries by the SDNY and the Eastern District of New York. A spokesperson for Bragg’s office declined to comment.
Lewis-Martin’s home on Troy Avenue in Brooklyn was also served with a federal search warrant and raided by FBI agents and the city’s Department of Investigation, sources told THE CITY.
Statement from Lewis-Martin’s Lawyer
"She will cooperate fully with any and all investigations and Ms. Lewis is not the target of any case of which we are aware," Aidala said in a statement.
Live Radio Interview
In a live radio interview with Aidala Friday evening, Lewis-Martin described the federal investigators who confiscated her phone as "perfectly gentlemanly" adding they also served her with a subpoena to testify before a federal grand jury. She maintained she and the mayor had nothing to hide.
"We’re human beings. We are imperfect, but we are not thieves," she said.
"And I do believe that in the end the New York City public will see that we have not done anything illegal to the magnitude or scale that requires the federal government and the DAs office to investigate us."
"I don’t know anything. I’ve done nothing and I don’t think there’s anything to know," she added.
Background and Context
News of the raid on Lewis-Martin came amid a battering few days for Adams, who pleaded not guilty on five corruption counts in a federal courtroom Friday afternoon.
The 57-page indictment unsealed a day earlier accused him of accepting campaign donations and lavish flight upgrades from Turkish nationals in exchange for favors. Adams has promised to fight the charges and said he doesn’t plan to resign.
Recent Developments
The weeks since have been marked by turmoil for the Adams administration, with Caban’s resignation, as well as that of mayor’s chief counsel Lisa Zornberg who reportedly quit after Adams ignored her advice to fire Pearson. Schools Chancellor Banks and the Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan both announced they plan to leave at the end of the year.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Adams administration continues to unfold, with Lewis-Martin’s raid and subpoena serving as a significant development. As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen what further revelations will emerge.
FAQs
Q: What is the nature of the investigation into the Adams administration?
A: The investigation is a federal probe into allegations of corruption and wrongdoing within the Adams administration.
Q: Who is Ingrid Lewis-Martin?
A: Ingrid Lewis-Martin is one of Mayor Eric Adams’s closest aides and a target of the federal investigation.
Q: What is the significance of the raid on Lewis-Martin’s home?
A: The raid is a significant development in the investigation, as it suggests that federal authorities are taking a closer look at the activities of the Adams administration.
Q: Will Mayor Adams resign?
A: Mayor Adams has denied any wrongdoing and has promised to fight the charges. He has also stated that he does not plan to resign.
