Investigation into Corruption Allegations
Manhattan prosecutors are examining evidence that could lead to an indictment of Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, according to sources familiar with the matter. The investigation, which has been underway for several months, focuses on potential corruption, including bribery and money laundering linked to the city’s leasing of commercial properties. Prosecutors are presenting their findings to a grand jury and could pursue charges as soon as this week. Lewis-Martin, who has held a key position in City Hall for years, resigned from her role on Sunday, just days after the latest developments in the probe.
The investigation initially gained attention in September when district attorneys seized her phones at John F. Kennedy International Airport upon her return from a vacation in Japan. Authorities have since expanded their inquiry to include potential criminal activities involving her son, Glenn Martin II, a DJ, and Mayank Dwivedi, a hotelier with several properties in New York City. While the exact nature of the alleged crimes remains unclear, the investigation centers on possible bribery and official misconduct.
Resignation Amid Scandal
Lewis-Martin’s sudden resignation took many by surprise, though she did not specifically address the ongoing investigation in her resignation statement. She cited a desire to spend more time with her family. The 63-year-old adviser, who has been a long-time confidante of Mayor Adams, was known for her fierce loyalty and powerful influence within City Hall. In his response, Mayor Adams expressed deep gratitude for her service, calling her not only a trusted adviser but a sister. He acknowledged that her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his administration, especially given their decades-long personal and professional relationship.
Despite her resignation, the investigation into Lewis-Martin appears far from over. Prosecutors have not provided details on whether the probe will extend to other figures within the mayor’s inner circle, though some of Adams’s other senior aides have already resigned due to separate federal investigations into corruption. The grand jury’s work remains secret, with no public confirmation on whether charges will be brought.
Connections to Broader Investigations
The corruption investigation into Lewis-Martin is part of a broader set of inquiries surrounding the Adams administration. She has already been subpoenaed twice in connection with separate federal probes, one linked to allegations against Mayor Adams himself. Notably, her name appeared in a 2022 federal indictment concerning a meeting between the mayor and Turkey’s then-consul general.
Additional scrutiny has also emerged regarding other figures connected to Lewis-Martin. In September, investigators seized the phones of several individuals, including former state senator Jesse Hamilton and real estate broker Diana Boutross. Both have ties to Lewis-Martin and the mayor’s administration. Although some individuals close to the investigation have denied wrongdoing, the scrutiny surrounding these individuals continues as the investigation progresses.
The inquiry into Lewis-Martin’s conduct is one of several legal challenges facing Mayor Adams, who is set to stand trial in April on federal charges unrelated to the current investigation. With the mayor seeking re-election in 2025, the mounting legal issues could complicate his political future, particularly as the grand jury deliberates over the potential criminal charges against his closest adviser.
