Mayor Eric Adams' former chief advisor, others expected to surrender to face charges
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Eric Adams' former chief advisor who remains a volunteer on his reelection campaign, is expected to be one of several people close to the mayor who surrender to face charges on Thursday.
Adams himself is not accused of any wrongdoing or expected to be charged.
Lewis-Martin's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, says he understands these are new charges against his client, not related to her previous bribery case.
Aidala said in a statement:
"Tomorrow, Ingrid Lewis-Martin will appear in Supreme Court, New York County. The District Attorney has refused to provide any details about the charges. Despite a lifetime of service as a law-abiding public servant, Ingrid is being forced to enter court with little information. 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."
Lewis-Martin remains a volunteer adviser on Adams' reelection campaign.
"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," said Todd Shapiro, a spokesman for Adams' campaign.
A spokesperson for Adams says the charges have nothing to do with him:
"Mayor Adams was not involved in this matter and has not been accused of or implicated in any wrongdoing. He remains focused on what has always been his priority - serving the 8.5 million New Yorkers who call this city home and making their city safer and more affordable every single day. Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration."
Also expected to face charges as early as Thursday are Deputy Commissioner of Real Estate Services Jesse Hamilton, a former state senator and mayoral friend, and two campaign supporters, Gina and Tony Argento.
The cases are being brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as part of an ongoing probe by the city's Department of Investigation.
Lewis-Martin was previously charged, along with her son, Glenn Martin II, with taking $100,000 in bribes from two businessmen in exchange for official favors. Both pleaded not guilty.
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