“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.
