Tim Pearson, a top adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, delayed a contract to provide caseworkers at migrant shelters, which hindered efforts to assist asylum-seekers in getting work papers and leaving the shelter system. Pearson’s involvement in awarding contracts related to the migrant crisis is under federal investigation for possible City Hall corruption. The delays in the contract occurred despite the urgent need for services as the number of migrants in shelters doubled. City Comptroller Brad Lander expressed concerns about lack of oversight and potential conflicts in city contracting under Adams. Pearson’s interference in the contract process raised questions about favoritism in awarding contracts. Pearson, who is also facing lawsuits for sexual harassment, eventually backed off, and the contract with Cherokee Nation Management moved forward. Despite the controversy, Mayor Adams defended Pearson’s role in saving money for the city.
In a recent investigation by THE CITY, it was revealed that a top adviser to Mayor Eric Adams is under federal investigation for delaying a multimillion-dollar contract to provide caseworkers at migrant shelters. Tim Pearson, a senior advisor to Mayor Adams, held up the contract with Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting LLC, despite it being approved by the city Health & Hospitals Corporation. This delay hindered efforts to assist asylum-seekers in obtaining work papers and exiting the shelter system as their numbers in the city increased rapidly.
Pearson’s involvement in awarding contracts related to the migrant crisis is one focus of the federal investigation into possible corruption in City Hall. The investigation also involves other top officials, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Pearson, who is facing lawsuits for sexual harassment, allegedly discussed benefiting personally from overseeing shelter contracts.
The Health and Hospitals Corporation, which administers city migrant shelters, is not a city agency but a public benefit authority. Pearson’s delay in approving the contract with Cherokee Nation Management caused significant setbacks as the number of migrants in city shelters doubled during that time.
City Comptroller Brad Lander expressed concerns about the lack of oversight in contracts awarded by Health and Hospitals, making it difficult to detect fraud or conflicts of interest. Lander described the situation as part of a broader crisis in city contracting under Mayor Adams, where favored contractors may receive preferential treatment.
The contract with Cherokee Nation Management was finally approved in March 2023 after Pearson backed off from his interference. Despite the delays, a spokesperson for Cherokee Nation Management highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing services to migrants. Mayor Adams defended Pearson, citing his unconventional approach and cost-saving measures in handling the migrant crisis.
In conclusion, the federal investigation into the delay of the migrant shelter contract highlights concerns about potential corruption and lack of oversight in city contracting. The actions of top officials, including Tim Pearson, raise questions about transparency and accountability in awarding contracts related to critical services for asylum-seekers.
Source: TheCity.NYC
