By Black Star News
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
Today, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., and Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, announced the indictment of Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former top aide of scandal-plagued Mayor Eric Adams, for accepting bribes of over $75,000.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. released a statement on the indictment.
“We allege that Ingrid Lewis-Martin engaged in classic bribery conspiracies that had a deep and wide-ranging impact on City government,” said Bragg. “As alleged, Lewis-Martin consistently overrode the expertise of public servants so she could line her own pockets. While she allegedly received more than $75,000 in bribes and an appearance on a TV show, every other New Yorker lost out. Hardworking City employees were undermined, businesses and developers who followed the law were pushed aside, and the public was victimized by corruption at the highest levels of government. New Yorkers are fortunate to be served by thousands of hardworking City employees who embody the dignity of public service. I thank our prosecutors and investigators for their commitment to unraveling these alleged conspiracies, and the Department of Investigation for its outstanding partnership on this ongoing matter.”
Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said the following:
“New York City officials and employees have a duty to serve the public fairly and equitably and the vast majority fulfill that sacred responsibility each and every day. Today’s Indictments, however, allege that the Mayor’s former Chief Advisor, at times in concert with the Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, repeatedly and persistently abused her senior government position to enrich herself and her family. As charged, Ingrid Lewis-Martin influenced City agency decision-making in a wide range of areas, from construction to street design, to serve the interests of co-defendants who paid her bribes. Those bribes included, as alleged, over fifty thousand dollars in cash, home renovations, catering for Gracie Mansion events, and a personal appearance in a TV series. In light of today’s charges, DOI is notifying the relevant agencies and requesting a review of the permits and design determinations described in the Indictments, so that each agency can review these decisions free of any improper influence. This investigation is ongoing, and City employees and members of the public who suspect fraud or corruption may report it to DOI at (212) 825-5959.”
In a Manhattan District Attorney’s office press release it states that: “Lewis-Martin is newly charged in four separate conspiracy indictments with eight other co-defendants:
Indictment 73752: LEWIS-MARTIN allegedly conspired to obtain approval for a residential renovation project in exchange for thousands of dollars of catering for events at Gracie Mansion and City Hall.
Indictment 73755: LEWIS-MARTIN and her son GLENN D. MARTIN II (a/k/a SUAVE a/k/a SUAVE LUCIANO), allegedly conspired to steer city contracts for asylum seeker shelter sites for preferred property owners and to help fast-track permit approvals for a karaoke bar in Queens. In exchange, MARTIN II allegedly received a $50,000 cash payment into his account diverted from a City contract and other benefits.
Indictment 73751: LEWIS-MARTIN allegedly conspired to have the New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) withdraw its approval for a street redesign of McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn, which would have included new, protected bike lanes. In exchange, LEWIS-MARTIN allegedly received a $2500 payment and other personal benefits, including a speaking role on a TV show and thousands of dollars of catering for an event at Gracie Mansion.
Indictment 73754: LEWIS-MARTIN, MARTIN II, and the Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services at the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (“DCAS”) JESSE HAMILTON allegedly conspired to fast-track development projects and steer City contracts on behalf of a co-defendant in exchange for renovations on their homes.
Other conspirators named in the indictment are: Lewis-Martin’s son, Glenn Martin II; Mayor Adams’ Deputy Commissioner of Real Estate Services, Jesse Hamilton (who resigned Thursday); Gina and Tony Argento; and developers Tian Ji Li and Yechiel Landau.
They all pleaded not guilty.
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