Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, surrendered to Manhattan prosecutors on Thursday, marking a significant development in a widening corruption investigation that has shaken the administration. Lewis-Martin, who abruptly resigned her influential post over the weekend, arrived at Manhattan Criminal Court accompanied by her son, Glenn Martin II, who is also implicated in the case.
The charges against Lewis-Martin are expected to include bribery and revolve around allegations that two businessmen provided a $100,000 loan to her son to purchase a Porsche in exchange for her assistance in resolving a construction project issue with the city's Department of Buildings. The case adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding the Adams administration, which has faced multiple resignations and legal troubles in recent months.
"I'm here falsely accused of something," Lewis-Martin, 63, said earlier this week in a press conference outside her attorney's office. "I don't know exactly what it is, but I know that I was told it's something illegal, and I have never done anything illegal in my capacity in government."
The Manhattan District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has not disclosed the full details of the charges. However, sources indicate that at least one of the businessmen involved, hotelier Mayank Dwivedi, will also face charges. Dwivedi, a high-profile figure in the Hamptons hospitality scene, has denied any wrongdoing through his attorney, Teny Geragos. "We look forward to setting the record straight and proving Mr. Dwivedi's complete innocence," Geragos said.
The accusations stem from an alleged arrangement where Lewis-Martin, while serving as Adams' chief adviser, facilitated a resolution for the businessmen's stalled project in return for the financial benefit extended to her son. Martin, a DJ known by the stage name "DJ Suave Luciano," has performed at city-sponsored events and is also expected to be charged.
Lewis-Martin's surrender follows an escalating series of legal troubles for Mayor Adams' administration. Adams himself was indicted in September on federal charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery, related to allegations of accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury perks from foreign nationals. Adams has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in April.
The growing scandal has led to resignations among several top officials, including the police commissioner, the schools chancellor, and multiple deputy mayors. The administration's woes were further compounded by federal agents seizing phones, searching homes, and issuing subpoenas to other associates of the mayor.
Lewis-Martin has been a close confidant of Adams for nearly two decades, playing a key role in his political ascent. Her resignation and the subsequent charges represent a significant blow to the administration's image as it grapples with mounting allegations of corruption. The mayor's office has yet to comment on the latest developments.
Prosecutors first approached Lewis-Martin at a New York airport in September, serving her with a subpoena as she disembarked from a flight. Investigators have since been examining her connections, including her ties to Brianna Suggs, Adams' former top fundraiser, who was also implicated in the broader investigation last year.
