Mayor Eric Adams has a close-knit group of family and friends who have been in his inner circle for many years. Recently, the FBI conducted raids on the homes of several individuals in Adams’ inner circle, shedding light on the family ties and connections within the upper echelons of city government, particularly those with links to the NYPD.
One notable family within the mayor’s circle is the Banks family, consisting of three brothers: Schools Chancellor David Banks, deputy mayor for public safety Philip Banks III, and government relations consultant Terence Banks. Their father, Philip Jr., had served as one of Adams’ NYPD lieutenants when he was a captain. Mayor Adams has described the elder Banks as a mentor and has known the family for years. Philip and David were among Adams’ first mayoral appointments and hold prominent positions in his administration. Interestingly, Philip Banks has been involved in legal issues related to a cop bribery case, but his ties to Adams have remained strong.
Another influential family within the mayor’s inner circle is the Caban family, which includes former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and his identical twin brother James. The Cabans have a longstanding relationship with Adams dating back to the 1990s when their father, Juan Caban, led the NYPD Hispanic Society. Edward Caban resigned as commissioner following FBI investigations, and his brother James has faced legal troubles in the past. The Caban family has deep ties to Adams through their shared history in law enforcement.
In addition to these families, Mayor Adams has ensured that his own family members have roles within his administration. His brother Bernard served as a special assistant to the mayor, while his sister-in-law Sharon Adams secured a high-paying position in the Department of Education. Adams’ inner circle also includes loyal friends such as Lisa White, a former 911 operator who now holds a key position in the NYPD.
Timothy Pearson, a close friend of the mayor dating back to their time in the NYPD, plays a significant role in helping Adams govern the city. Pearson, facing lawsuits and investigations related to sexual harassment allegations, has been appointed as a senior mayoral aide. Another key figure in Adams’ circle is Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the mayor’s chief advisor, who is married to Glen Martin, one of Adams’ closest friends. Lewis-Martin has been a longtime supporter of Adams throughout his political career.
While many members of the mayor’s inner circle are considered family, their close relationships have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns. The city’s strict ethics rules prohibit public officials from using their positions for personal gain or to benefit family and associates. However, enforcing these laws can be challenging, as there is no proactive mechanism to root out wrongdoing within city agencies.
Despite the ongoing federal investigations and scrutiny surrounding his inner circle, Mayor Adams continues to rely on his family and friends for support and guidance in governing the city. The extent to which these relationships may infringe on ethical boundaries remains to be seen, but the mayor’s high level of trust in his inner circle is evident. As the investigations unfold, the public will be watching closely to see how Adams navigates these complex relationships while upholding the integrity of his office.