Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top aide to the New York City mayor, along with her son and two real estate investors, were indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges.
The case involves an alleged pay-to-play scheme where Lewis-Martin allegedly received over $100,000 in cash and other benefits in exchange for expediting construction project approvals.
The big picture: The prosecutors accused the four individuals of engaging in an unfettered quid pro quo arrangement to enrich themselves.
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that Lewis-Martin abused her position to benefit herself and her family by leveraging her influence in the city government.
- Lewis-Martin’s lawyer described her as a model citizen, while prosecutors emphasized that she sold her influence for personal gain.
Zoom in: The developers involved in the scheme allegedly paid Lewis-Martin’s son $100,000, some of which was used to buy a luxury car, and they provided assistance with his own ventures.
- Lewis-Martin’s son, known as DJ Suave Luciano, performed at a reception organized by City Hall, highlighting the close connections between the accused parties.
- One of the investors, Mayank Dwivedi, who has a background in finance, is listed as an owner of a boutique hotel in East Hampton.
- Lewis-Martin attempted to cover her tracks by communicating with one of the investors through an encrypted messaging app and by pressuring officials in the city’s Department of Buildings to expedite project approvals.
The other side: While Lewis-Martin has denied the allegations and claimed she did not engage in any prearranged schemes for personal gain, prosecutors point to her actions as evidence of abusing her position.
