A once-powerful confidante of New York City Mayor Eric Adams now faces a storm of fresh legal trouble. On Thursday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg unveiled four new indictments slamming Ingrid Lewis-Martin — Adams’ former chief adviser — with sweeping bribery and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors allege she, her son, and several allies orchestrated schemes that sold out city government for cash, favors, and influence.
Bragg did not mince words. “Lewis-Martin engaged in classic bribery conspiracies that had a deep and wide-ranging impact on city government,” he said, vowing the investigation is far from over.
Bribes, Parties, and Political Favors
According to prosecutors, Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, pocketed more than $75,000 in bribes, including $50,000 siphoned from taxpayer funds, between 2022 and 2024. In one scheme, they allegedly colluded with nightclub owner Tian Ji Li, fast-tracking approvals for his Queens karaoke lounge in exchange for $50,000 and “lavish parties.”
Another charge links Lewis-Martin to Tony and Gina Argento, Brooklyn film and soundstage moguls. Prosecutors say she helped derail a controversial bike lane expansion near their studio, receiving $2,500 cash and a $10,000 Gracie Mansion catering tab in return.
A separate real estate scheme tied her and former state senator Jesse Hamilton to developer Yechiel Landau, who allegedly funneled $5,000 toward her property renovations while seeking support for projects across Queens and Brooklyn.
