Lisa Zornberg, former top legal counsel for Mayor Eric Adams, had multiple meetings with key mayoral aide Tim Pearson regarding asylum seeker crisis contracts and conflict of interest rules. Zornberg abruptly resigned after Pearson’s electronic devices were seized by the FBI as part of legal probes into City Hall. The full scope of the investigations is still unknown, but federal authorities are looking into the awarding of city contracts. Pearson and other top aides have been involved in awarding contracts to vendors, with allegations surfacing about possible ulterior motives. Several incidents, including a confrontation at a shelter site, are under investigation. Zornberg’s involvement in Pearson’s contract activities and legal advice related to controversial contracts have raised questions about potential ethical issues. The FBI raids have revealed that Mayor Adams and his team are the subject of multiple federal investigations, leading to the resignation of several top appointees.
In a recent review by THE CITY, it has come to light that Mayor Eric Adams’ former top legal counsel, Lisa Zornberg, had multiple meetings with another key mayoral aide, Tim Pearson, regarding “asylum seeker crisis contracts.” Zornberg resigned suddenly after Pearson’s electronic devices were seized by the FBI as part of ongoing legal investigations into City Hall.
The focus of most of the meetings between Zornberg and Pearson was on migrant shelter contracts. One urgent meeting between them was noted in Pearson’s schedule on October 13. The reasons behind Zornberg’s resignation and her role in the shelter contract process remain unclear.
The FBI raids on September 4 led to the seizure of electronic devices belonging to Pearson and several other top Adams’ aides, including Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Schools Chancellor David Banks. The investigations by the Southern District of New York are looking into various aspects, including the awarding of city contracts.
Another Banks brother, Terence, who is a government relations consultant, had his phone seized by the FBI as well. Terence Banks was involved with a Florida-based company lobbying for a contract with the city school system. The investigations also revealed discussions about potential conflicts of interest related to the contracts.
Since the spring of 2022, Phil Banks and Pearson have been actively involved in managing the influx of migrants into the city. Banks serves as the mayor’s top advisor on public safety, while Pearson oversees the contracts being awarded to vendors, including security guard firms. Allegations have surfaced regarding Pearson expecting personal gain from the contract awards.
Zornberg was also part of Pearson’s contract activities, advising him on legal matters related to contracts, including a controversial one with a firm called DocGo. The Comptroller had raised concerns about the contract, which Pearson discussed with Zornberg. The involvement of Zornberg in these meetings raises questions about the legal aspects of the contracts being awarded.
The FBI raids have revealed that Mayor Adams and his team are under scrutiny in four separate federal investigations. Several top appointees have resigned in the wake of these investigations, including Lisa Zornberg, adding to the turmoil within City Hall.
The detailed investigations into the awarding of city contracts and potential conflicts of interest have put Mayor Adams’ administration under intense scrutiny. The unfolding events have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in City Hall operations.
Source: TheCity.NYC
