FBI raids homes of at least 3 top NYC officials closely connected to Mayor Adams
NEW YORK CITY - The homes of two top officials close to NYC Mayor Eric Adams were raided by the FBI Wednesday, sources have confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Morgan McKay.
First reported by THE CITY, FBI agents raided the homes of two top NYC officials – First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III.
Benjamin Brafman, an attorney for Phillip Banks, confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Linda Schmidt that a search was conducted at his client's home on Wednesday.
Agents arrived at Wright's Hamilton Heights townhouse around 5 a.m., while simultaneously raiding Banks' single-family home in Hollis, reports show.
Wright is the fiancé of Chancellor David Banks, who is Phil Banks’ brother and was appointed schools chancellor by Adams.
Adams addresses raids
"I have been clear that my message throughout my public life is to follow the law and that's what we're doing," Adams said in an interview with FOX 5 NY on Thursday. "And we're going to comply with whatever inquiry and whatever we have to submit."
Adams also said that the raids do not mean indictments will necessarily follow.
"Two different options here, either there's where there's smoke, there's fire and indictments are going to follow - or two, this is totally baseless and the criminal justice system is being weaponized against you," Adams said.
"I would love to engage in a good conversation around this, but just be irresponsible for me, you know, as a former law enforcement person. I know, allow the reviews to take their course and that is what I'm doing," Adams said.
FBI looks into NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, other close Adams allies
A law enforcement source confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Linda Schmidt that several NYPD executives, including NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, were asked to turn over their phones immediately to investigators at the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
Investigators will also reportedly be looking into emails within the departments as well.
DCPI told FOX 5 that it is "aware of an investigation" and that the department is fully cooperating in the investigation.
The SDNY says they are not commenting on any matters at this time.
According to reports, Tim Pearson, a top aide to Adams, was also told to turn over his phones to officials.
Chancellor Banks was scheduled to make a media appearance on FOX 5 NY, but abruptly canceled without reason.
The reasons for the raids are unclear at this time. THE CITY reports that a source said the cell phones and laptop of Wright and Banks were taken.
According to one source familiar, the investigation might not be connected to the federal corruption investigation surrounding Adams and his campaign fundraising.
In a statement from City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg, she said: "Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation. As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law."
Who is Tim Person?
In July, Adams stood by Pearson, a top adviser and longtime friend who faced allegations that he sexually harassed female colleagues and retaliated against those who raised alarm over the alleged misconduct (AP).
Pearson, a former high-ranking official in the New York Police Department who now advises the mayor on public safety, was named in a lawsuit filed by a current deputy police chief, Miltiadis Marmara.
It was the fourth lawsuit in the last year against Pearson, who was also being investigated by another city agency for his role in a brawl at a shelter for homeless migrants.
Adams described Pearson as a "good friend" and said his role in the administration had not changed as a result of the allegations.
FBI searches home of Mayor Adams' fundraising chief, Brianna Suggs
Last November, the FBI raided the Brooklyn home of Adams' campaign fundraising chief Brianna Suggs.
A copy of the search warrant - the paper says it shows the FBI appears to be looking into whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government and a Brooklyn construction company to funnel money into the Mayor's campaign coffers.
Adams, his campaign and City Hall have been subpoenaed as part of this investigation. Adams had his phone seized as well by the FBI.
In July, six people were charged in an alleged scheme to divert tens of thousands of dollars in public funds to Adams’ campaign months before his election.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing and federal authorities have not directly named him in any of the investigations.