Ingrid Lewis-Martin, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ top advisor, announces retirement
New York — Ingrid Lewis Martin, who for many years served as a senior adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, announced her retirement Sunday, effective immediately.
Manhattan prosecutors are reportedly investigating corruption allegations against her and have presented evidence to a grand jury.
A grand jury could seek indictments as early as this week, The New York Times reported.
Lewis Martin leaves office a month earlier than expected
Lewis-Martin had been with Adams since his days as a Brooklyn state senator and was one of the last of his inner circle to leave. Her departure came a month earlier than expected.
She said in a statement on Sunday, in part, “As a private citizen, I will continue to do everything I can to fight for this great city every day. It’s time for me to focus on my wonderful family and my own It’s time.” And retire. “
Adams released a statement on his senior adviser’s resignation, saying: “While we had planned this for a long time, it was still difficult knowing that Ingrid wouldn’t be next door every day. I and every New Yorker owe her a debt of gratitude A thank you for her decades of service to our city.”
Lewis-Martin’s attorney is expected to speak at a news conference on Monday.
Lewis Martin Investigation
On September 27, federal agents Lewis Martin summoned and her phone confiscated after returning from trip to Japan. That same day, investigators also searched her Brooklyn home. Adams enters not guilty plea to federal corruption charges. His trial is scheduled for April, just months before he seeks re-election.
In October, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced it had opened an investigation into Lewis-Martin and four others. Reportedly involving commercial property leasing in the city.
“We’re not perfect, but we’re not thieves,” Lewis-Martin said on her lawyer’s radio show in September. “I do believe that, ultimately, the public of New York City will see that we did not do anything illegal to a degree or scale that would warrant an investigation by the federal government and the district attorney’s office.”
According to reports, it is unclear what evidence prosecutors presented to the grand jury, which may vote to indict.
Legal expert JC Polanco told CBS News in New York that the Lewis-Martin situation was “not welcome news.”
“Look, the mayor is working very hard to move forward and get the city back on its feet and work with the incoming administration. The last thing he needs is more bad news,” Polanco added. “She was instrumental in union negotiations, zoning laws and working with the City Council. She had a long and storied career, and we have to remember, as an attorney, everyone here is guilty until proven guilty. is innocent.”
