The searches are reportedly unrelated to the federal investigation of Mayor Eric Adams and his campaign fundraising activities, as per sources familiar with the situation.
Federal agents conducted searches at the homes of three high-ranking city officials closely associated with Mayor Eric Adams. The searches targeted the Queens home of Deputy Mayor Philip Banks III, as well as a Harlem residence shared by First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and her partner, Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. It is unclear if the search at the shared home was focused on one individual or both. The searches were not related to the federal corruption investigation involving the mayor and his campaign fundraising, but they further entangled the Adams administration in legal inquiries.
The individuals involved, including Ms. Wright, Mr. Banks, and Chancellor Banks, did not immediately provide comments on the searches. City Hall also did not respond to requests for comment. The search at the chancellor’s home occurred just before the start of the school year in New York City, adding to the timing’s significance.
The new investigation, reported by The City, is being led by prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. This office is separately investigating Mayor Adams and his campaign fundraising activities. The exact focus of the investigation is not fully known, but it includes examining potential conspiracy with the Turkish government to receive illegal foreign donations. Additionally, the investigation is looking into whether the mayor pressured the Fire Department to approve a new high-rise Turkish Consulate despite safety concerns, and also investigating free flight upgrades from Turkish Airlines received by Mr. Adams.
Mayor Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and he has not been charged with any crimes by federal authorities. The investigation continues, with contributions from reporters Anusha Bayya and Eliza Shapiro, along with research by Susan C. Beachy.
Source: The NY Times
