Ingrid Lewis-Martin, one of the top advisors to New York Mayor Eric Adams, is in hot water after not only being implicated in the mayor’s alleged criminal schemes but also for being caught telling investigators that the New York City Department of Correction would “take care” of her.
Prosecutors say they plan to introduce the advisor’s comments as evidence against her in her trial. Reports suggest she said the department would take care of her because she’s been good to them.
According to court records, Ingrid Lewis-Martin has been accused of trading favors with at least two New York City hoteliers. Reports suggest the advisor received over $100,000 in bribes. In exchange for the money, it’s alleged she sped up approvals for construction projects. Prosecutors allege Lewis-Martin used the money to buy her son DJ a Porsche and fund other luxuries. This type of quid pro quo arrangement is against the law, and prosecutors allege Lewis-Martin participated in this type of scheme the entire time she served as Mayor Adams’ chief adviser.
Once the Mayor was arrested and charges were levied against him, investigations started against other key members of the party, including Lewis-Martin. In September, the advisor was just returning to America from a vacation in Japan when she was stopped by authorities. Her phone was seized, and she was subject to questioning. A few months later in December, she surrendered to authorities.
Lewis-Martin is adamant that she is innocent. She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges laid out in the indictment against her, which includes four different charges. Currently, she’s facing charges including bribery and conspiracy to commit bribery.
She was released without bail and will be expected to reappear in court again early next month. Right before her court appearance, she resigned from City Hall.
New York City Bribery Charges
Under the law in New York, bribery is defined as the act of giving someone something of value in exchange for an action, decision, or vote. It is categorized into several different levels with first degree bribery being the most serious crime, levied as a class A or B felony.
A felony offense results in life-long consequences, including the loss of the right to vote, carry a firearm, or hold public office. That said, a conviction could result in the end of Lewis-Martin’s political career.
The maximum sentence for a class B felony bribery charge is 25 years in prison.
Third degree bribery, which is much less serious, is still considered a class d felony. The penalty for this type of charge is up to seven years in prison.
If you ever get charged with bribery or a similar type of financial crime, then it’s paramount that you promptly hire a solid criminal defense attorney to advocate for you. The right lawyer will help you identify your best legal options based on the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
Schedule a free case review with our team now if you’re interested in quality legal representation.
