Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, surrendered Thursday morning at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office on charges of bribery and money laundering. She was accompanied by her son, Glenn Martin II, who faces the same charges.
Two real estate investors, Raizada Vaid, and Mayank Dwivedi, are also implicated in the case and face bribery charges, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
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Alleged $100,000 Bribery Scheme
Prosecutors allege that Lewis-Martin engaged in a $100,000 bribery scheme while serving as Mayor Adams’ chief adviser. The indictment accuses Vaid and Dwivedi of paying Glenn Martin II $100,000 as compensation for favors Lewis-Martin allegedly provided, including assistance with construction permits and a family member’s visa.
Glenn Martin II allegedly used the bribery proceeds to purchase a Porsche, according to prosecutors.
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Resignation and Statement
Lewis-Martin resigned from her position on Sunday, days before turning herself in.
“When City officials monetize their office for personal gain, they undermine fundamental principles of integrity in government, diminish trust in public officials, and unfairly tarnish the reputations of the countless City employees who use their office solely to serve the public good,” said Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation, in a statement following the announcement of the charges.
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Separate Allegations Against Mayor Adams
The charges against Lewis-Martin are unrelated to federal corruption allegations against Mayor Eric Adams. According to sources, Adams is being investigated for allegedly accepting luxury travel gifts over several years in exchange for influencing decisions, including persuading the fire department to approve the Turkish consulate’s opening in Manhattan despite safety concerns.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing in the federal case.
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Lewis-Martin Maintains Her Innocence
In a press conference earlier this week, Lewis-Martin denied the allegations.
“I am being falsely accused of something. I don’t know exactly what it is, but I know that I was told that it is something that is illegal, and I have never done anything that is illegal in my capacity in government,” Lewis-Martin stated.
Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, dismissed the charges as speculative.
“Pieces of puzzles are going to be put together to make it look as horrible as possible,” Aidala told reporters on Monday. “But we know the truth, and the truth is Ingrid Lewis-Martin never broke the law.”
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Investigation Details
The investigation into Lewis-Martin’s activities included the seizure of her cellphone in September as she returned from a trip to Japan and a search of her Brooklyn home.
Lewis-Martin has been a longtime ally of Mayor Adams, serving as his senior adviser for five years during his tenure as a state senator and as his chief of staff for another seven years. She also served as deputy Brooklyn borough president during Adams’ time as borough president. Adams appointed her as his chief adviser in January 2022.
