mayor ericed adams raided : FBI Raids Homes of Top NYC Officials Linked to Mayor Adams Amid Ongoing Investigations
In a high-profile operation on Wednesday, FBI agents raided the homes of key figures in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. The raids targeted First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, and Timothy Pearson, a senior advisor to the mayor.
The FBI’s actions came as agents executed searches at Wright’s Hamilton Heights townhouse and Banks’ single-family home in Hollis early in the morning. According to Benjamin Brafman, an attorney representing Banks, the search was part of a broader investigation involving these top officials.
Sheena Wright is notably connected to Mayor Adams through her engagement to Chancellor David Banks, Philip Banks’ brother. Chancellor Banks’ planned media appearance on FOX 5 NY was abruptly canceled, adding to the speculation surrounding these developments.
Mayor Adams addressed the situation in an interview with FOX 5 NY, asserting his commitment to legal compliance. “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. He also suggested that the raids might not necessarily lead to indictments. “There’s either where there’s smoke, there’s fire and indictments will follow, or this is totally baseless and the criminal justice system is being weaponized against you,” Adams noted.
The FBI’s search was not limited to these officials. Reports confirm that NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, along with several other NYPD executives, were instructed to turn over their phones and other electronic devices to investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Investigators are also expected to examine emails within the department.
City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg stated that investigators have not indicated that the mayor or his staff are targets of the probe. “As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law,” Zornberg said in a statement.
Timothy Pearson, who has faced multiple lawsuits and allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, was also among those whose phones were seized. Pearson, a former NYPD official and a close advisor to Adams, has been embroiled in controversies including a brawl at a shelter for homeless migrants. Despite these issues, Adams has continued to stand by Pearson.
This latest round of raids adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Mayor Adams’ administration, which has been under federal investigation for various issues. Last November, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, Adams’ fundraising chief, in connection with allegations of campaign finance violations involving international entities. Adams’ phone was also seized during that investigation.
As these investigations continue, they cast a shadow over the Adams administration, with New Yorkers and political observers watching closely for further developments.
