Federal Investigation into Rev. Alfred Cockfield II’s PAC and Mayor Eric Adams’ Financial Entanglements

Person wearing jacket with "FBI" in yellow letters.

Federal investigators have launched a probe into a political action committee with ties to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, raising concerns over questionable donations and spending patterns.

At a Glance

FBI agents searched the home of Rev. Alfred Cockfield II, founder of “Striving for a Better New York” PAC
The PAC received nearly $100,000 from LLCs without proper donor identification
Mayor Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, served as PAC treasurer and received $100,000 in payments
Federal authorities are examining connections between the PAC, Mayor Adams, and hotel developer Weihong Hu
The investigation is part of a broader corruption inquiry into NYC political fundraising practices

Federal Investigation Targets PAC Linked to NYC Mayor

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI have launched a comprehensive investigation into “Striving for a Better New York,” a political action committee with direct ties to NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The PAC, founded by Queens pastor Alfred Cockfield II, has come under scrutiny for its financial management and questionable donations.

In a significant development, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Rev. Cockfield’s Far Rockaway residence while investigating the PAC’s financial operations. This action has intensified the focus on the organization’s activities and its connections to high-profile political figures in New York City.

Questionable Donations and Financial Practices

The investigation has revealed several concerning financial practices within the PAC. Records show that the committee received nearly $100,000 from Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) without proper donor identification, leading to mandatory fund returns. This lack of transparency has raised red flags about the organization’s compliance with campaign finance laws.

“Federal authorities have opened an investigation into Queens pastor Alfred Cockfield and a political action committee he started, according to two sources familiar with the matter.” – NBC New York

Further complicating matters, committee records reveal a $60,000 donation to Cockfield’s charter school, which was later refunded. This transaction has drawn attention to potential conflicts of interest and the proper use of PAC funds.

Connections to Mayor Adams’ Inner Circle

The investigation has also brought to light connections between the PAC and Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Brianna Suggs, Mayor Adams’ chief fundraiser, served as the PAC’s treasurer and received $100,000 in payments. This relationship has intensified scrutiny on the mayor’s office and its ties to the organization.

“The feds subpoenaed a shadowy political fund connected to one of Eric Adams’ allies and to the mayor’s embattled top fundraiser, The Post has learned.” New York Post

Adding to the complexity of the investigation, federal authorities are examining connections between the PAC, Mayor Adams, and hotel developer Weihong Hu. This aspect of the probe suggests a broader inquiry into potential influence-peddling and conflicts of interest within New York City’s political landscape.

Broader Implications for NYC Politics

The investigation into “Striving for a Better New York” is part of a wider corruption inquiry into NYC political fundraising practices. The State Board of Elections has already fined the organization $1,000 for compliance violations, indicating a pattern of regulatory issues.

“Federal authorities, as part of a corruption investigation, are examining a New York City pastor and a political action committee he formed to support Mayor Eric Adams’s agenda, according to people with knowledge of the inquiry.” – New York Times

The PAC’s spending patterns have also raised eyebrows, showing minimal political activity despite its stated mission to support New York candidates. Financial records reveal high compensation to PAC leadership compared to actual political spending, calling into question the organization’s true purpose and effectiveness.

As the investigation unfolds, it threatens to cast a long shadow over New York City’s political establishment and could potentially lead to significant reforms in campaign finance practices. The outcome of this probe may have far-reaching consequences for the future of political fundraising and governance in one of America’s most influential cities.