Former Top NYC Mayoral Aide Indicted on Fresh Bribery Charges in Sweeping Corruption Probe
New York, NY – Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was hit with a new wave of bribery charges on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as a wide-ranging corruption investigation continues to unfold within City Hall. The Manhattan District Attorney's office announced four new indictments against Lewis-Martin, her son Glenn Martin II, and seven other co-defendants, alleging a series of "pay-to-play" schemes that impacted several city agencies.
The latest charges add to an initial indictment from December 2024, significantly expanding the scope of the allegations against Lewis-Martin, who has been described as one of Mayor Adams' closest confidantes. Both Lewis-Martin and her co-defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment.
Allegations of Influence Peddling and Financial Gain
Prosecutors allege that between March 2022 and November 2024, while serving as Chief Advisor to the Mayor, Lewis-Martin accepted over $75,000 in bribes and other illicit benefits. These alleged benefits included cash payments, thousands of dollars in catering services, home renovations, and even a speaking role on a television show.
The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, stated that Lewis-Martin "engaged in classic bribery conspiracies that had a deep and wide-ranging impact on City government," accusing her of consistently overriding the expertise of public servants for personal profit.
Key Aspects of the Indictments:
- Steering City Contracts: Lewis-Martin and her son are accused of conspiring to direct city contracts for asylum seeker shelters to preferred property owners. Her son, Glenn Martin II (also known as Suave Luciano), allegedly received a $50,000 cash payment diverted from a city contract in exchange for these favors.
- Fast-Tracking Permits: The indictments detail instances where Lewis-Martin allegedly expedited permit approvals for a karaoke bar in Queens and fast-tracked various development projects.
- Interfering with Public Projects: A significant allegation involves Lewis-Martin conspiring to halt a street redesign project on McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn, which would have included protected bike lanes. This move allegedly benefited Broadway Stages, a production company whose owners, Gina and Anthony Argento, reportedly opposed the redesign. In return, Lewis-Martin allegedly received a $2,500 payment, a speaking role on Hulu's "Godfather of Harlem," and catering services.
- Personal Benefits for Official Favors: Further charges include Lewis-Martin allegedly obtaining approval for a residential renovation project in exchange for catering services.
Impact on Mayor Adams' Administration
While Mayor Eric Adams himself has not been charged and prosecutors have stated he is not a target of this specific investigation, the ongoing corruption probes continue to cast a shadow over his administration, particularly as he seeks re-election. Lewis-Martin, despite resigning from her official position in December 2024, has reportedly continued to volunteer for Adams' re-election campaign.
Lewis-Martin's attorney, Arthur Aidala, has vehemently denied the charges, asserting his client's innocence and characterizing the prosecution as "politically motivated 'lawfare.'" This latest development follows other recent controversies involving former Adams aides, highlighting a period of intense scrutiny for New York City's political landscape.