Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a close associate of Mayor Eric Adams, is facing serious legal troubles after being indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges. The accusations, detailed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, suggest that she accepted more than $75,000 in bribes while serving in City Hall. These charges are part of a broader corruption investigation linked to her tenure, as noted by The New York Post.
The indictments reveal a range of allegations, including steering contracts related to the migrant crisis to her political allies. In one instance, Lewis-Martin is accused of accepting $10,000 worth of seafood to host events. The situation escalated when she was seen in handcuffs, arriving at Manhattan Criminal Court, marking a significant moment in this legal saga.
The charges extend to her son, Glen Martin II, and several others, including former state senator Jesse Hamilton and developers Tian Ji Li and Yechiel Landau. Despite the gravity of the charges, all the accused have pleaded not guilty. Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Guy Tardanico emphasized in court, “If you were willing to pay Ms. Lewis-Martin, she was open for business.”
One specific indictment claims that Lewis-Martin collaborated with Hamilton to direct migrant shelter contracts to those who paid her, including securing property leases for developer Tian Ji Li. Allegedly, Li received 10 percent of a $12 million contract and later transferred $50,000 to Lewis-Martin’s son. The indictments also accuse her of pressuring city officials to fast-track approvals for Li’s karaoke bar, V Show, in Queens.
In a striking piece of evidence, Lewis-Martin reportedly messaged the fire commissioner to have a plan reviewed by different eyes after an initial response she found unsatisfactory. Another indictment highlights her involvement in the redesign of McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn, where she allegedly altered plans to favor developers Gina and Tony Argento. In a message to Gina Argento, she allegedly stated, “We are ignoring them and continuing with our plan. They can kiss my ass.”
In exchange for her actions, the Argentos allegedly paid her $2,500 and secured her a speaking role on the Hulu series Godfather of Harlem. The charges also involve allegations of her helping with home renovation approvals, receiving $10,000 worth of seafood in return. In one instance, she reportedly told a homeowner, “I’m eating one of your crab cakes as I speak to you.”
These new indictments surface as Mayor Adams campaigns for reelection, dealing with the fallout from previous corruption controversies. Though he is not accused of any wrongdoing, the charges against Lewis-Martin and other close allies have put his administration under a cloud of scrutiny. Adams’ campaign spokesman, Todd Shapiro, asserted that the mayor has not been implicated.
Shapiro expressed support for Lewis-Martin, stating, “While Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration, she has been a friend and colleague of the mayor for over 40 years, and he knows her as a devoted public servant; she has declared her innocence, and his prayers are with her and her family.” City Hall spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak emphasized that Mayor Adams was not involved and remains focused on serving New Yorkers.
Lewis-Martin faced similar bribery charges late last year, accused of accepting $100,000 to buy a Porsche for her son. She resigned from her City Hall position shortly before those charges were filed. Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, dismissed the latest charges as politically motivated, asserting that she was merely helping citizens navigate the city’s complex bureaucracy.
Aidala strongly defended his client, arguing that “at no point did she receive a single dollar or any personal benefit for her assistance.” He criticized the District Attorney’s portrayal of Lewis-Martin as a criminal, calling it a “distortion of the truth and a troubling example of politically motivated ‘lawfare.’”
The case continues to unfold, with each development adding layers to a complex narrative of politics and alleged corruption. As the legal proceedings progress, the spotlight remains on the intricate web of relationships and the implications for the Adams administration. The outcomes of these charges will undoubtedly have significant repercussions for those involved.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.