Ingrid Lewis-Martin, former chief advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, and her son have been indicted on bribery and money laundering charges related to allegations of using their influence to expedite permits for developers in exchange for cash and benefits. Two other defendants, real estate developers, are also charged with bribery. Lewis-Martin has denied the accusations and abruptly left her job at City Hall. She has a long history in politics and is a trusted aide to Mayor Adams.
**Former NYC Mayor’s Chief Advisor Indicted by Manhattan Grand Jury**
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on charges of bribery and money laundering. The indictment also includes her adult son and two other defendants. District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, of conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering.
The grand jury alleges that Lewis-Martin and her son used encrypted messaging apps to take requests from developers and influence officials in the city’s buildings and transportation agencies to expedite permits and other matters. Martin II received over $100,000 in payments through cashier’s checks and cash in exchange for the alleged assistance. The indictment claims that Lewis-Martin engaged in a long-running scheme to illegally influence city decisions in exchange for cash and benefits for herself and her son.
Two other defendants, Raizad Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, both real estate developers focusing on hotels, were charged with bribery and conspiracy. Martin II allegedly acted as an intermediary between his mother and the developers to arrange meetings and receive payments for their help with development projects in Manhattan.
Vaid sought Lewis-Martin’s assistance with a visa issue for a family member and a Department of Transportation-issued permit. The developers also paid Lewis-Martin and her son for help with other business ventures, such as a clothing line and a Chick-fil-A franchise.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber emphasized the importance of integrity in government and the negative impact of officials misusing their positions for personal gain.
Lewis-Martin, 63, left her position at City Hall shortly before the indictment was unsealed. She denied the allegations of illegal activity and mentioned that the case revolved around alleged illegal gifts she received, indicating that others would also be implicated.
Lewis-Martin has a long history in politics, starting in the 1980s, and has been a key figure in Mayor Adams’ career. She announced her retirement to spend more time with her family before the indictment was made public.
The case highlights the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in government offices to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of public officials.
Source: TheCity.NYC
