Federal Agents Search Homes of Top NYC Officials in Connection with Federal Investigation
Federal agents conducted early morning searches at the homes of several high-ranking officials in New York City, adding further complications to Mayor Eric Adams’s administration amid ongoing federal investigations. Those targeted were Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. The searches were part of a probe led by prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Federal Scrutiny Intensifies
The raids, which took place at the homes of Banks, Wright, and Caban, also led to the subpoena of phones belonging to Timothy Pearson, another senior aide to Adams. Additionally, Terence Banks, the brother of Philip Banks and a former MTA official turned lobbyist, was targeted as part of the investigation.
Law enforcement sources have indicated that these actions are unrelated to the federal investigation into Adams’ 2021 campaign dealings with Turkish donors. However, they mark an escalation in federal scrutiny of the Adams administration’s inner circle.
Cooperation and Responses
The NYPD confirmed its cooperation in the investigation, stating, “The Department is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service. The Department is fully cooperating in the investigation.” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban has not yet commented on the raid.
Neither Wright, Philip Banks, nor Chancellor David Banks—Wright’s partner—has issued a public statement regarding the raids. A City Hall spokesperson reiterated that investigators have not indicated Mayor Adams or his staff as direct targets.
Widening Scope of Investigations
In addition to Wednesday’s searches, federal authorities have recently targeted other individuals close to Mayor Adams, including top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs. The broad scope of these investigations, ranging from potential illegal foreign donations to other undisclosed matters, suggests that federal authorities may be expanding their probe into New York City’s leadership.