Ex-Adams Aide Detained in Federal Graft Investigation

Four people, including a former chief-of-staff to erstwhile New York City Mayor Eric Adams, were taken into custody by federal authorities in a corruption case tied to a municipal shelter agreement.

Ex-Adams Aide Detained in Federal Graft Investigation

Four individuals were taken into custody Wednesday morning by federal authorities in an ongoing graft inquiry, including a prominent advisor who held the chief-of-staff position during the initial year of erstwhile New York City Mayor Eric Adams's tenure.

Those apprehended comprise Frank Carone, his sibling Anthony Carone, lodging proprietor Yan Po Zhu from Queens, and her associate Crystal Chen. All were set to be brought before a magistrate in Brooklyn's federal courthouse that afternoon.

Because the charging document remained sealed when the detentions occurred, the specific accusations had not yet been disclosed. Individuals knowledgeable about the matter informed ABC News the examination centers on a municipal agreement granted while Adams held office.

The suspected arrangement seems linked to a lodging facility used as a shelter for unhoused individuals. Authorities suspect monies associated with this operation were channeled via Anthony Carone.

Zhu and Chen had both earlier given monetary support to Adams's electoral efforts. Frank Carone played a key part in Adams's victorious 2021 mayoral campaign as well as his later unsuccessful bid for another term, assisting in rallying financial backers and political allies in Brooklyn.

Carone's legal representative, Arthur Aidala, issued remarks indicating his client learned of the federal scrutiny approximately three years prior, following the administration's public opposition to immigration directives from the previous presidential administration. Aidala stated the inquiry scrutinized wide-ranging elements of Carone's private and work life, and that Carone contests the accusations and anticipates vindication.

A representative for Adams made a brief statement acknowledging Carone's extensive history in civic duty and law, characterizing the situation as a pending judicial matter.

Source: ABC7 Chicago

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)