Federal Investigation Targets Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Chief Advisor to Adams
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, one of Mayor Eric Adams’s closest aides, recently found herself at the center of a federal investigation as she returned from a vacation in Japan. Federal authorities served Lewis-Martin with a subpoena as soon as she landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, her lawyer confirmed. This development marks the first indication that the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office is also involved in investigations into the Adams administration, alongside inquiries by the SDNY and the Eastern District of New York.
Lewis-Martin’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, stated that she willingly handed over her phones to representatives from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Additionally, Lewis-Martin’s home on Troy Avenue in Brooklyn was served with a federal search warrant and raided by FBI agents and the city’s Department of Investigation, sources revealed.
A spokesperson for Bragg’s office declined to comment on the ongoing investigations. However, Aidala assured that Lewis-Martin is fully cooperating with the authorities and is not the target of any known case. In a statement, Aidala emphasized Lewis-Martin’s willingness to assist in any and all investigations.
During a live radio interview with Aidala, Lewis-Martin described the federal investigators as “perfectly gentlemanly” and stated that they also served her with a subpoena to testify before a federal grand jury. She maintained that both she and Mayor Adams have nothing to hide, asserting, “We’re human beings. We are imperfect, but we are not thieves.”
Lewis-Martin expressed confidence that the public would see that they have not engaged in any illegal activities that warrant federal and district attorney investigations. She emphasized, “I don’t know anything. I’ve done nothing and I don’t think there’s anything to know.”
Lewis-Martin returned from Japan accompanied by Jesse Hamilton, a longtime ally and friend of Mayor Adams who serves as the deputy commissioner for real estate services within the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. While it remains unclear if Hamilton also received a subpoena, the joint return of the two associates has raised questions about their involvement in the ongoing investigations.
The latest developments involving Lewis-Martin come amidst a challenging period for Mayor Adams, who recently pleaded not guilty to five corruption counts in federal court. The indictment against Adams alleges that he accepted campaign donations and lavish flight upgrades from Turkish nationals in exchange for favors. Despite the charges, Adams has vowed to fight them and has no plans to resign from his position.
The raid on Lewis-Martin’s home and the indictment of Mayor Adams follow similar actions taken against other members of Adams’ inner circle in recent weeks. Former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Tim Pearson, the mayor’s senior public safety advisor, have all faced raids and had their electronics confiscated.
The turmoil within the Adams administration has led to resignations, including that of Commissioner Caban and the mayor’s chief counsel Lisa Zornberg. Schools Chancellor Banks and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan have also announced their plans to leave their positions by the end of the year.
Despite the challenges faced by his administration, Mayor Adams has remained steadfast in his support for his team. At a recent press conference, Adams addressed Lewis-Martin’s absence due to her vacation and expressed his hope that she was enjoying her time off. He reiterated his confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, “We got this.”
As the investigations into the Adams administration continue to unfold, the public remains eager for answers and transparency. The developments involving Lewis-Martin and other key figures close to the mayor highlight the significance of accountability and integrity in public service. Only time will reveal the full extent of the implications of these investigations on the city and its leadership.
