An investigation by THE CITY found that Tim Pearson, a top adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, delayed a contract to provide caseworkers at migrant shelters for months. This delay hindered efforts to help asylum-seekers get work papers and exit the shelter system as their numbers in the city increased. Pearson held up the contract with Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting LLC despite it being approved by the agency in charge, the city Health & Hospitals Corporation.
Pearson, along with other Adams administration officials, is under federal investigation for possible corruption. His involvement in awarding contracts related to the migrant crisis is a focus of the investigation. Federal authorities have also subpoenaed city officials related to asylum-seeker operations.
In addition to his role in delaying the contract, Pearson is facing multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by co-workers. These lawsuits quote him discussing personal benefits from overseeing shelter contracts.
The delay in the contract meant that meeting the urgent need for case management services, including work authorization papers, travel, and housing assistance for asylum-seekers, was delayed. As the number of migrants in city shelters continued to rise, Pearson’s interference in the contract process raised concerns about oversight and potential conflicts.
City Comptroller Brad Lander noted that his office has no oversight over contracts awarded by the Health and Hospitals Corporation, making it difficult to detect fraud or meddling by City Hall. Lander described the situation as part of a larger crisis in city contracting under the Adams administration.
Despite the delays caused by Pearson, the contract with Cherokee Nation Management eventually moved forward in mid-March. The company, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, expressed frustration over the holdup caused by Pearson’s interference. When asked about Pearson’s actions, a spokesperson for Cherokee Nation Management referred inquiries to Health and Hospitals and the Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Adams defended Pearson, citing his unconventional approach and cost-saving measures. However, concerns remain about the lack of oversight and potential conflicts of interest in city contracting processes.
The investigation into Pearson and other city officials continues, shedding light on the complexities and challenges in providing services to asylum-seekers in a rapidly changing urban environment. Efforts to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability in city contracts remain ongoing.
