FBI Raids Homes of New York City Mayor’s Top Aides in Corruption Investigation

FBI agents raid homes of top aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, seizing evidence in a widening corruption probe.

At a Glance

FBI raids homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks
Electronics and other evidence seized during searches
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other officials’ phones subpoenaed
Investigation separate from probe into Adams’ alleged ties to Turkey
Mayor Adams emphasizes cooperation with law enforcement and commitment to following the law

FBI Raids Homes of Mayor’s Top Aides

In a significant development, the FBI has conducted raids on the homes of two high-ranking officials in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks were the targets of these searches, which saw federal agents seizing electronics and other potential evidence. This action marks an escalation in the ongoing corruption investigation surrounding City Hall.

The scope of the investigation extends beyond these two officials. Federal investigators have also subpoenaed cell phones belonging to New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Tim Pearson, a close adviser to Mayor Adams. In total, four high-ranking NYPD officials, including Caban, received subpoenas for their devices, indicating a broad-reaching probe into potential misconduct within the city’s leadership.

Investigation Separate from Turkey Probe

While the full extent of the investigation remains unclear, sources indicate that these recent searches are not connected to a separate inquiry into whether Mayor Adams accepted donations from Turkey in exchange for official favors. The current probe appears to be focused on potential misconduct within the administration itself, raising questions about the integrity of city governance.

“Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation. As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.” – Lisa Zornberg

Despite the gravity of the situation, Mayor Adams has emphasized his administration’s commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. In public statements, he has stressed the importance of following the law and has assured New Yorkers that his team will provide any information requested by investigators.

Eric Adams operates at outlandish levels of corruption on top of being incredibly incompetent. Just wild shit. https://t.co/2MdOjpHA2y

— Amanda Litman (@amandalitman) September 5, 2024

Wider Implications for City Hall

This latest development is part of a series of investigative actions targeting Mayor Adams’ inner circle. In July, both City Hall and Adams’ election committee were served with subpoenas. Last November, federal officers raided the homes of Adams’ top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs and international affairs aide Rana Abbasova. The mayor himself was served a grand jury subpoena in July and had his electronic devices seized in November.

FBI raids #NYC homes of two top Mayor Adams aides, Sheena Wright and Phil Banks. "This whole state is infested with corruption" squealed one agent as, she went through boxes, closets, & file cabinets. https://t.co/KhL5gcQqpL

— Milo™ (@chasbottom) September 5, 2024

“The Department is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service. The Department is fully cooperating in the investigation.” – NYPD spokesman

The ongoing investigation has provided ammunition for Mayor Adams’ political rivals, who have criticized the apparent chaos and disorder within his administration. As the probe continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the mayor’s ability to govern effectively and maintain public trust in New York City’s leadership.