Article
Jesse Hamilton’s Japan Trip Raises Questions
Jesse Hamilton, a close ally of Mayor Eric Adams, went on a trip to Japan with Adam Clayton Powell IV, a former elected official-turned registered lobbyist. Powell lobbied Hamilton earlier this year on behalf of a Bronx contractor, THE CITY has learned.
The Trip and Phone Confiscation
The trip to Japan also included Adams’ chief advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, and several other people. Hamilton and Lewis-Martin had their phones confiscated last week by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office when they landed at JFK International Airport from Japan.
Lewis-Martin’s Subpoena and Raid
Lewis-Martin was also served with a federal grand jury subpoena and had her home raided by the FBI and the city Department of Investigation.
Hamilton’s Appointment and Role
Hamilton succeeded Adams’ in his state senate seat but lost re-election in 2018. Adams made him deputy commissioner in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), where he oversees all matters concerning city-owned properties and properties that the city leases out.
Powell’s Lobbying Activities
In disclosure filings, Powell reported that he had a Feb. 21st meeting with Hamilton on behalf of his client, Totem Holdings Inc., a contractor that specializes in doing government work. The subject was “determination regarding real property.”
Powell also reported that at some point in May or June 2023, he spoke with Mayor Adams and lobbied Adams’ top aide, Tiffany Raspberry, on behalf of the developer, Fortis Contractors LLC. The subject was “the HERRC program,” a reference to the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers the city set up to house asylum seekers.
Powell’s Relationship with Adams
Powell served in the city council in the 1990s, then in the assembly from 2001 until 2010, when he lost a re-election bid to Charles Rangel. He gave the mayor’s 2025 re-election campaign $400, the maximum allowed for individuals doing business with the city. Powell also threw a birthday party for Adams in December 2022.
Client’s Campaign Contributions
His client, Alexis Pena, president of Totem, made three donations to Adams’ 2025 campaign totaling $1,000. Two of those contributions were made in June and July, after Powell’s meeting with Hamilton.
DCAS’s Response
A spokesperson for DCAS did not immediately respond to THE CITY’s questions about who paid for Hamilton’s trip to Japan.
Conclusion
The trip to Japan and Hamilton’s phone confiscation raise questions about the potential for conflicts of interest and influence peddling. The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government.
FAQs
Q: Who is Jesse Hamilton?
A: Jesse Hamilton is a close ally of Mayor Eric Adams who was appointed to oversee the city’s real estate operations.
Q: Who is Adam Clayton Powell IV?
A: Adam Clayton Powell IV is a former elected official-turned registered lobbyist who lobbied Hamilton on behalf of a Bronx contractor.
Q: What is the purpose of the HERRC program?
A: The HERRC program is a reference to the Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers the city set up to house asylum seekers.
Q: What is Totem Holdings Inc.?
A: Totem Holdings Inc. is a contractor that specializes in doing government work and is a client of Adam Clayton Powell IV.
Q: Who paid for Hamilton’s trip to Japan?
A: A spokesperson for DCAS did not immediately respond to THE CITY’s questions about who paid for Hamilton’s trip to Japan.
