Former Top Adviser to Mayor Eric Adams Indicted in $100,000 Bribery Scheme
A Major Blow to City Hall
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, surrendered to Manhattan prosecutors on Thursday to face allegations of bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering. She, along with her son, Glenn Martin II (also known as DJ Suave Luciano), and two real estate investors, Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, has been accused of participating in an alleged $100,000 bribery scheme that capitalized on her influential position in City Hall.
Allegations of Influence Peddling
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges that Lewis-Martin, described as “the second most senior person in City Hall,” used her authority to expedite permits for construction projects, including a rooftop bar and a hotel, in exchange for over $100,000 in alleged cash benefits for herself and her son. Prosecutors claim the alleged actions undermined the integrity of public office and eroded trust in city governance.
The Alleged Bribery Scheme and Lavish Purchases
According to court documents, Martin allegedly received two $50,000 checks from Vaid and Dwivedi in August 2023. The funds were deposited into a joint account with his mother. Prosecutors allege that $50,000 was transferred to Martin’s business, Suave Productions, and used to purchase a Porsche. The payments were reportedly disguised as personal loans to mask the bribery.
Encrypted Messaging and Alleged Cover-Ups
To conceal the conspiracy, Lewis-Martin allegedly instructed participants to use Signal, an encrypted messaging app, and coded language. Investigators also uncovered intercepted telephone conversations that prosecutors claim reveal the extent of the alleged bribery and cover-up.
A Defiant Defense
Ahead of her surrender, Lewis-Martin, accompanied by her attorney, Arthur Aidala, denied any wrongdoing. “I have never done anything illegal in my capacity in government,” she stated during a press conference. Aidala dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, claiming the prosecutors’ case “defies common sense.”
Broader Implications for Mayor Eric Adams
The indictment adds to the mounting legal troubles for Mayor Adams, who faces federal allegations of corruption involving luxury travel gifts in exchange for expediting New York Fire Department approvals for a Turkish consulate project. Over a dozen members of his administration, including two police commissioners and other top officials, have resigned amid related investigations.
High-Profile Fallout
Lewis-Martin’s resignation over the weekend followed her return from a vacation in Japan, where she was reportedly confronted by investigators at JFK Airport. Prosecutors allege her involvement in an extensive conspiracy that abused her position to enrich herself and her family.
A Pattern of Alleged Corruption
Prosecutors allege that Lewis-Martin leveraged her decades-long relationship with Adams to push through city approvals for personal gain. The case has intensified scrutiny on the mayor’s administration and casts a shadow over his 2025 re-election bid.
A Tarnished Legacy
Once regarded as Mayor Adams’ closest confidante, Lewis-Martin now finds herself at the center of allegations that threaten to dismantle the mayor’s inner circle. As the legal proceedings continue, the charges highlight the importance of maintaining integrity in public office.
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