Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was charged with receiving bribes in a “quid pro quo” scheme with a real estate business that financially benefitted her and her son. Lewis-Martin was indicted along with her son Glenn Martin II and two real estate investors, Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi. The Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Lewis-Martin of using her position and authority to influence city decisions in exchange for cash and benefits for herself and her son. Bragg described the scheme as “unfettered, on-call quid pro quo arrangement.”
The indictment alleged conspiracy, receiving bribes, and money laundering against Lewis-Martin and her son, while Vaid and Dwivedi were charged with bribery and conspiracy. The case has no connection to Mayor Adams, who was indicted by a federal grand jury three months ago on separate charges. The Adams administration has seen a mass exodus of officials and advisers in recent weeks, including the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, chief counsel Lisa Zornberg, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks, and top deputy mayor Sheena Wright.
Lewis-Martin and her son communicated using encrypted apps with coded language to request help inside City Hall. They shared a joint bank account that was used to buy a Porsche, support a DJ business, and finance plans for a Chick-fil-A franchise. Prosecutors described Lewis-Martin as “the second most senior person in City Hall” who abused her position and sold her influence for personal gain. This indictment is part of Bragg’s efforts to combat corruption in the city and hold individuals accountable for illegal activities.
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