Eric Adams associates indicted for pay-to-play scheme day after potato chip scandal
Eric Adams’ Inner Circle Indicted in Bribery Scandal
A recent scandal involving an Eric Adams aide handing a reporter cash hidden in a bag of potato chips has now escalated, with multiple members of Adams’ inner circle facing indictments for bribery. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office unveiled four new indictments on Thursday, outlining a pay-to-play scheme and other charges against several of Adams’ associates, including a former chief adviser, local business owners, and political donors.
Amidst the unfolding scandal, Andrew Cuomo, Adams’ opponent in the upcoming New York City mayoral race, took a dig at Adams by distributing bags of chips to reporters at a press conference. “Sometimes a bag of chips is just a bag of chips,” Cuomo quipped.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Corruption Allegations Unveiled
The recent indictments stem from a series of alleged bribery schemes, including claims that former chief adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin received $75,000 in bribes between 2022 and 2024. The accusations also include improper steering of government contracts and policy decisions for personal gain.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, “We allege that Ingrid Lewis-Martin engaged in classic bribery conspiracies that had a deep and wide-ranging impact on City government.”
Former chief adviser to Mayor of New York City Eric Adams, Ingrid Lewis-Martin
Responding to the indictments, an Adams’ spokesperson emphasized that the mayor himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing. Despite the claims of innocence, Adams’ rivals have seized upon the scandal to criticize his leadership.
Political Fallout
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor, condemned the corruption allegations, highlighting the impact on public trust. Meanwhile, Cuomo, who faced his own controversies in the past, expressed disappointment over the ongoing government corruption.
New York City Mayoral Candidates Zohran Mamdani, Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa
The unfolding scandal raises concerns about government ethics and transparency, underscoring the need for accountability and integrity in public office.
