Prosecutors argue that Lewis-Martin operated as an unofficial consultant for the developers, disregarding DOB’s expertise and safety protocols to expedite their applications.
Developers Also Charged
Vaid and Dwivedi are accused of conspiring with Lewis-Martin to secure approvals for their projects, benefiting from her position of influence within the city government. The developers allegedly relied on her ability to manipulate the process for their financial gain.
Mayor Adams Not Implicated
While Mayor Eric Adams is not implicated in this case, he is facing unrelated federal corruption charges for allegedly accepting bribes from Turkish officials.
Bragg made clear that this indictment does not connect Adams to the actions of his former adviser.
Broader Implications
“This case underscores the importance of rooting out corruption at all levels of government,” Bragg said. “New Yorkers deserve a city government that works for them, not one that sells its influence to the highest bidder.”
What’s Next?
The defendants are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. If convicted, they face substantial fines and prison time.
