Three Security Guards Sue City and Former Advisor over Alleged Assault
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Three shelter security guards are suing the city and Mayor Eric Adams’ former advisor Tim Pearson, alleging he attacked them last fall when they asked for his identification at the entrance to a midtown migrant shelter.
According to the lawsuit, Pearson, who was described as drunk and belligerent, shouted "Bitch, do you know who I am?" at Arrow Security employee Leesha Bell, before grabbing her by the neck with both hands and throwing her to the ground. He also physically shoved two other guards, Terrance Rosenthal and Angelica Weldon.
Eyewitness Testimony Contradicts Official Accounts
The chaotic scene was first reported on by The New York Post and the New York Daily News, citing police sources who said the shelter guards had "exceeded their authority." However, an internal report obtained by THE CITY shows that all 12 shelter workers who witnessed the incident described Pearson attacking the guards first when he failed to show identification.
Guards Suffered ‘Severe Emotional Distress’
Bell and Rosenthal were both arrested and held at a precinct for hours, where Pearson reportedly tried to intimidate them and threatened that they would be fired. Despite the charges being dropped, the incident has caused the three security guards "severe emotional distress," the lawsuit alleges. The guards are seeking monetary damages for verbal abuse, physical abuse, false arrest, and false imprisonment.
Pearson’s Conduct Under Investigation
Pearson, who resigned last week, is already facing four lawsuits from police officers who worked under him at the Municipal Services Assessment. Those lawsuits allege Pearson repeatedly sexually harassed a female officer and then retaliated against her and others when they tried to report the abuse.
Related
- Crumbs’ Corruption
Conclusion
The incident raises serious questions about the safety and well-being of security guards and migrant shelter staff. The allegations of assault, intimidation, and abuse of power by Pearson have sparked outrage and calls for accountability. As the investigations continue, it is imperative that those responsible are held accountable and measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Tim Pearson?
A: Tim Pearson was a former advisor to Mayor Eric Adams and played a key role in the Municipal Services Assessment, a shadowy unit created by an Adams executive order.
- Q: What did Pearson allegedly do to the security guards?
A: According to the lawsuit, Pearson grabbed one security guard by the neck with both hands and threw her to the ground, while also physically shoving two other guards.
- Q: Why did Pearson resign?
A: Pearson resigned last week amidst a series of high-profile resignations in the mayor’s administration.
