*Mayor Eric Adams‘ top deputy mayor Sheena Wright resigned on Tuesday following his controversial fraud indictment.
Several senior officials including Wright have been subjected to searches at their homes and phones in ongoing federal investigations, according to NBC New York. We reported earlier that law enforcement also searched the home of Schools Chancellor David Banks and the Queens home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. David and Phil are brothers, and another brother, government relations firm founder Terry Banks, is also under investigation, Politico reports.
The homes of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other city officials were also searched, while senior adviser Tim Pearson and at least seven other NYPD members had their phones subpoenaed. While it’s unclear if these raids are connected to previous probes into Adams’ ties to Turkey or aide Winnie Greco, Adams previously stated his administration is fully cooperating with investigators.
Wright, who has held her position since January 2023, has denied any wrongdoing. However, she faces scrutiny for casting a vote that awarded a city contract to a security firm previously linked to her brother-in-law, per NBC New York. Her departure adds to the growing list of senior officials leaving the Adams administration, amid investigations involving members of the mayor’s team.
The FBI is reportedly investigating Mayor Adams for receiving complimentary flight upgrades from Turkish Airlines. According to RadarOnline.com, these upgrades elevated him to first-class status. The New York Times reports that federal investigators are scrutinizing Adams’s mayoral campaign, mainly focusing on free airfare upgrades. Adams is at the heart of a broader corruption inquiry involving his aides and a Turkish Airline executive, with investigators examining possible political favors in exchange for donations from Turkey.
Per CNN, Adams was indicted last month on five federal charges related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, according to a 57-page unsealed indictment. The indictment alleges illegal actions stretching back to 2014, from when he was Brooklyn Borough President.
“For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him,” the indictment reads.
Specifically, he received luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official and later pressured the NYC Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection in exchange, the indictment says.
Maria Torres-Springer, the deputy mayor for housing, economic development, and workforce, will take over Wright’s responsibilities while continuing in her current role, according to the city’s announcement. She will also assume the position of first deputy mayor, NBC New York reports.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors say more charges are expected against Mayor Eric Adams.
A poll reveals that over two-thirds of New Yorkers believe Mayor Eric Adams should step down. Additionally, if Adams refuses to resign, 63% of respondents want Governor Hochul to intervene and seek his removal, according to the survey.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indictment: 5 Federal Public Corruption Charges Including Bribery and Wire Fraud | WATCH
