Ingrid Lewis-Martin following her December 2024 arrest.
Photograph by Lloyd Mitchell
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Eric Adams‘ longtime confidante and former chief adviser, will seem in Manhattan state court docket on Thursday to face new prices, her lawyer confirmed to New York News.
Arthur Aidala, Lewis-Martin’s lawyer, informed New York News that Manhattan District Legal professional Alvin Bragg’s workplace “refused to provide any details” of the forthcoming prices. Bragg’s workplace declined to touch upon the costs for this story.
Whereas the character of the costs usually are not but identified, Aidala insists that Lewis-Martin is harmless of no matter they might be, and can be in search of an expedited trial to maneuver the justice course of ahead.
“Despite a lifetime of service as a law-abiding public servant, Ingrid is being forced to enter court with little information,” Aidala stated. “What she does know is this: she has always served the City with integrity, and she will firmly plead not guilty to every charge. While the specifics remain unclear, Ingrid is certain of one thing—she has broken no laws, and she is not guilty. We will be requesting an expedited trial schedule.”
Mayor Eric Adams (heart), First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright (left) and Chief Adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin at an April 2024 press convention.Credit score: Ed Reed/Mayoral Images Workplace.
Aidala’s assertion adopted a New York Submit report that Lewis-Martin is dealing with new corruption prices for accepting high-end meals in change for official favors surrounding redevelopment plans throughout her time in Metropolis Corridor. The brand new prices are reportedly not linked to Lewis-Martin’s already present bribery and conspiracy indictment that was filed late final yr.
The incoming bombshell indictment can be anticipated to incorporate Adams’ Deputy Commissioner of Actual Property Providers, Jesse Hamilton; Lewis-Martin’s son, Glenn Martin II; in addition to Gina and Tony Argento — siblings who personal the soundstage firm Broadway Phases, The New York Occasions reported.
The primary indictment towards Lewis-Martin accused her of allegedly accepting $100,000 in bribes from a pair of Manhattan businessmen with a purpose to purchase a Porsche for her son, and in change, guaranteeing that the Division of Buildings allegedly supplied the businessmen. Lewis-Martin has continued to insist that she has achieved nothing flawed.
The fees got here quickly after Lewis-Martin abruptly stepped down from her Metropolis Corridor place — and months after authorities seized her telephones and raided her Brooklyn residence.
Lewis-Martin was considered one of a number of senior-level Adams staffers to exit the administration final yr amid federal and state corruption investigations into their official dealings.
The newest prices towards Lewis-Martin come as Mayor Adams is mounting a steep uphill reelection battle, during which he has tried to distance himself from the corruption scandals which have dogged his administration — together with his personal now-dismissed federal case.
Adams’ press secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus stated the mayor “was not involved in this matter and has not been accused of or implicated in any wrongdoing.” She additionally famous that “Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration.”
However Adams marketing campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro stated the mayor continues to face by her and believes she deserves her day in court docket.
“We have not been notified about any formal charges against Ingrid Lewis-Martin,” Shapiro stated. “Mayor Adams stands by her decades of public service and remains confident that the truth will prevail. Ingrid has dedicated her life to the people of New York City, and she deserves the presumption of innocence and the support of those who know her best.”
