Lisa Zornberg, Mayor Eric Adams’s Chief Legal Adviser, Abruptly Resigns Late Saturday Night as New York City Hall Falls Under FBI’s Microscope Amid Explosive Federal Corruption Probes

Lisa Zornberg Resigns as Chief Counsel for Mayor Eric Adams Amid Federal Investigations

In a shocking turn of events, Lisa Zornberg, Mayor Eric Adams’s chief legal adviser and counsel, resigned late Saturday night. Zornberg’s departure marks a critical point in Adams’ administration, casting a shadow of uncertainty as the mayor and his inner circle are engulfed in multiple federal corruption investigations. Her resignation, effective immediately, comes at a crucial time, further destabilizing an already embattled administration.

Zornberg’s Role and Resignation

A former senior federal prosecutor in Manhattan, Ms. Zornberg had been instrumental in defending Mayor Adams since joining his team in July 2023. She consistently urged New Yorkers to avoid premature judgment amid growing scrutiny, particularly surrounding an investigation into the mayor’s campaign fundraising. In her resignation letter to Mayor Adams, Zornberg wrote, “I am tendering my resignation, effective today, as I have concluded that I can no longer effectively serve in my position. I wish you nothing but the best.”

Her sudden resignation, with no immediate transition plan, left City Hall scrambling for a replacement. Mayor Adams, acknowledging her contributions, stated, “We appreciate all the work Lisa has done for our administration and, more importantly, the city over the past 13 months. These are hard jobs, and we don’t expect anyone to stay in them forever.”

Ms. Zornberg joined City Hall in July 2023 after serving as chief of the Southern District’s criminal division from 2016 to 2018, where she supervised investigations and prosecutions by roughly 170 prosecutors. She succeeded Brendan R. McGuire, who had been chief counsel since Mr. Adams took office in January 2022. Zornberg was representing the mayor in an investigation into his campaign fundraising at the time of her resignation.

Federal Investigations Mounting

Zornberg’s departure comes after multiple high-profile resignations and an intensifying federal probe into Mayor Adams’ inner circle. Last week, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban stepped down following FBI raids targeting his home and the homes of several top officials. The investigations, led by the U.S. attorney’s offices for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, are centered on potential influence peddling and corruption within the administration.

The investigations have resulted in the seizure of phones and electronic devices from senior officials, including Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks and Schools Chancellor David Banks. While no charges have been filed, the probes have led to widespread speculation and calls from some state lawmakers for Mayor Adams to step down.

City Hall in Turmoil

The resignation of both Zornberg and Commissioner Caban signals growing instability within the administration. The mayor himself reportedly prompted Caban’s resignation as City Hall sought to minimize distractions amid mounting public scrutiny. “The news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work,” Caban said in an email to NYPD officers.

In the interim, former FBI official Tom Donlon has been appointed to replace Caban. Meanwhile, the mayor is expected to announce Zornberg’s replacement in the coming days. The investigations, which include potential influence peddling and corruption within the administration, have shadowed the Adams administration, with several ongoing probes into various aspects of its operations.

Moving Forward

Despite the turbulence, Mayor Adams has remained firm, stating that the investigations will prove his innocence. “The investigations will show that I committed no misconduct, and I remain focused on serving New Yorkers,” he said in a recent statement.

As federal authorities continue to investigate City Hall’s inner workings, the administration faces an uphill battle to regain public trust and restore stability amid growing political pressure. The outcome of these investigations could significantly impact the future of Mayor Adams’ administration and the political landscape of New York City.

Conclusion

Lisa Zornberg’s sudden departure and the ongoing federal investigations mark a critical juncture in Mayor Eric Adams’ tenure. As his administration grapples with a crisis of confidence, the eyes of New York remain fixed on the unfolding drama at City Hall.