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Mayor Eric Adams responded Thursday to bribery and money laundering charges against his former chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, criticizing the indictment for lacking detailed evidence to substantiate the claims. Manhattan prosecutors allege Lewis-Martin used her City Hall position to help two real estate developers secure approvals for hotel projects in exchange for $100,000 in bribes.

Allegations Against Lewis-Martin

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that Lewis-Martin and her son, Glenn Martin II, face charges of bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy. Developers Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi are charged with bribery and conspiracy for their roles in the alleged scheme.

Prosecutors claim Lewis-Martin facilitated the approval of construction applications filed with the city's Department of Buildings (DOB), allegedly acting as an “on-call consultant” for Vaid and Dwivedi without regard for safety regulations.

Bragg characterized the case as “corruption at the highest level of city government,” summarizing it as a “quid pro quo” operation.

Mayor Adams Pushes Back

While Bragg emphasized that Adams is not implicated in the charges, the mayor expressed concerns over the prosecution’s framing of events, particularly its lack of detailed evidence linking Lewis-Martin’s actions directly to the alleged bribes.

"This indictment raises serious questions, but it falls short in providing the clarity and detail necessary to ensure public trust in these proceedings," Adams said in a statement.

Adams, who is separately facing federal corruption charges unrelated to this case, reiterated that he had no involvement in or knowledge of Lewis-Martin’s alleged activities.

Alleged Use of Bribe Money

Court documents allege Lewis-Martin accepted two $50,000 checks from Dwivedi’s company and Vaid in August 2023. Prosecutors say the money was used by her son to purchase a Porsche and fund his DJ business.

Prosecutors argue that the developers benefitted from expedited approvals for their projects, bypassing DOB protocols under Lewis-Martin’s influence.

Broader Implications

Bragg highlighted the case as part of a broader effort to combat corruption in city government.

“New Yorkers deserve public servants who prioritize the community’s interests, not their own enrichment,” Bragg said.

Adams, however, urged for due process and emphasized the importance of avoiding premature judgments.

“While this case must be thoroughly investigated, we must also ensure that charges are backed by comprehensive evidence before drawing conclusions,” Adams said.

Next Steps

Lewis-Martin, her son, and the developers are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks. If convicted, they face significant penalties, including potential prison time.