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Who Is Ingrid Lewis-Martin
Ingrid Lewis-Martin is an American political advisor and chaplain who gained prominence through her long-standing career in public service and her close affiliation with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Born on February 28, 1961, and raised in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, Lewis-Martin comes from a multicultural background. Her father was an immigrant from Barbados, while her mother was born in New York but grew up in Panama. This rich cultural heritage influenced her early life and provided a foundation for her future endeavors in community and public service.
Earned A Degree In Criminal Justice
She attended John Jay High School and later transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she earned her degree in criminal justice. Early in her career, Lewis-Martin worked as a public school teacher and an instructor at Medgar Evers College. Her transition into politics began as a volunteer for U.S. Representative Major Owens, eventually rising to the role of his deputy campaign manager. Over time, she became a key figure in New York City politics, serving as Chief of Staff in the New York State Senate for Eric Adams and later as Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn under his leadership.
Was Appointed Chief Advisor
When Adams assumed the mayoralty in 2022, Lewis-Martin was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Mayor, a role that made her one of the most influential figures in City Hall. She earned the nickname “The Lioness of City Hall” for her fierce loyalty to Adams and her proactive approach to governance. However, her tenure has not been without controversy. In 2023, she faced scrutiny and a fine for misusing her position for financial benefit, and by 2024, her career became entangled in a high-profile corruption scandal. Allegations of bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering led to federal investigations, a grand jury subpoena, and her eventual resignation in December 2024.
The Scandal She Is In
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, once a trusted advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has become the central figure in a far-reaching corruption scandal that has sent shockwaves through City Hall. The allegations against her stem from her tenure as Chief Advisor, a role she held from January 2022 until her abrupt resignation in December 2024.
The Investigation
The investigation into Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a trusted political advisor and Chief Advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, represents one of the most high-profile probes into alleged corruption within City Hall in recent years. The inquiry began during her tenure as a senior city official, where she was accused of abusing her position to engage in a bribery and money laundering scheme that involved high-level interference in construction and licensing decisions. Federal investigators, along with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, launched a comprehensive investigation into her activities, ultimately leading to her indictment and resignation.
How She Leverage Her Position
The investigation unveiled a sophisticated scheme in which Lewis-Martin allegedly leveraged her powerful role to influence the Department of Buildings (DOB) and other city agencies. She reportedly acted on behalf of business owners Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, who were facing delays and obstacles with their construction projects.
Payouts Were Exchanged For Expedited Approvals
In exchange for expedited approvals and favorable outcomes, these individuals funneled over $100,000 to her son, Glenn Martin II. Investigators revealed that Lewis-Martin communicated through encrypted apps such as Signal and WhatsApp, setting messages to disappear after being read, to conceal her activities. Despite these efforts, prosecutors pieced together text messages, meeting logs, and financial transactions that painted a clear picture of her alleged involvement.
A Search Warrant Was Executed
The investigation intensified in September 2024, when federal agents executed a search warrant at Lewis-Martin’s home, seizing phones and other evidence. She was also subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. The case took a dramatic turn when financial records showed bribes deposited into a joint account she shared with her son, who used the funds for personal luxury purchases, including a Porsche. Further scrutiny uncovered her facilitation of unrelated favors, such as assisting her son in his attempts to establish a Chick-fil-A franchise with financial backing from her co-conspirators.
In December She Decided To Resign
Lewis-Martin’s resignation on December 15, 2024, followed mounting pressure as the grand jury reviewed evidence of her alleged misconduct. On December 19, indictments were formally announced against her, her son, and other collaborators, accusing them of bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy. The investigation highlights the extensive resources deployed by prosecutors to tackle public corruption and restore trust in New York City’s government.
The Charges That She Faces
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former Chief Advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, faces a series of severe charges stemming from her alleged involvement in a corruption scheme that exploited her influential role in city government. The charges, brought forth by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and detailed in multiple indictments, include conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering. These allegations not only implicate her but also extend to her son, Glenn Martin II, and several business associates, shedding light on what prosecutors describe as a long-running and deliberate abuse of power.
Conspiracy To Commit Multiple Felonies
The first major charge is conspiracy, specifically in the fourth degree, which alleges that Lewis-Martin and her co-defendants conspired to commit multiple felonies, including bribery and the illicit exchange of benefits for favorable city actions. The indictments claim that she knowingly used her position to influence decisions within the Department of Buildings (DOB) on behalf of her collaborators, particularly business owners Raizada Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, who sought assistance with stalled or rejected construction projects.
Bribery
The bribery charges, among the most serious allegations, focus on the exchange of over $100,000 in financial benefits. Prosecutors assert that Lewis-Martin’s co-conspirators provided the money to her son, who acted as an intermediary to facilitate the bribes and shield her from direct involvement. In return, she allegedly expedited approvals for construction permits and facilitated access to high-ranking city officials. The funds, which were deposited into a joint account she shared with her son, were reportedly used for luxury purchases, including a 2023 Porsche, and other personal expenses.
Money Laundering
Additionally, Lewis-Martin faces charges of money laundering in the third degree, which accuses her of participating in financial transactions designed to conceal the origins of the bribery payments. Investigators uncovered evidence of multiple attempts to disguise the funds, including labeling a portion as a “personal loan” to obscure its true nature.
These charges, which collectively paint a picture of systematic corruption, could carry severe legal consequences if proven. They also underscore broader concerns about accountability in city government. Lewis-Martin’s legal team has denied the allegations, claiming political motivations, but the evidence presented by prosecutors has cast a significant shadow over her career and reputation. The trial ahead promises to be a pivotal moment for her and for the integrity of New York City’s political system.
Pleaded Not Guilty
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former Chief Advisor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has pleaded not guilty to state bribery charges as part of a corruption case that has drawn significant public attention. Both she and her son, alongside business associates Raizada “Pinky” Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi, entered not guilty pleas during a hearing presided over by Acting State Supreme Court Justice Daniel Consiver. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Lewis-Martin has denied any wrongdoing, stating in court, “Your honor, I am not guilty.”
Prosecutors Revealed Wiretap Evidence
The legal proceedings have already begun to impact her life and career significantly. She resigned from her role at City Hall just days before the indictment, signaling the gravity of the situation. Prosecutors have indicated that wiretap evidence will play a crucial role in the case, revealing encrypted communications and concealed financial transactions. While released without bail, Lewis-Martin faces travel restrictions as the legal process unfolds.
Her defense attorney, Arthur Aidala, has dismissed the allegations as unfounded, claiming they lack credibility and that the payments were unrelated to any official favors. He further characterized the charges as politically motivated and inconsistent with her long career in public service.
Lewis-Martin’s trial will not only scrutinize the charges against her but will also serve as a broader examination of ethics and governance in New York City’s political system. The case is set to be a major legal and political flashpoint, promising a high-stakes courtroom battle ahead.
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FAQ About Ingrid Lewis-Martin
Ingrid Lewis-Martin is a former Chief Advisor to NYC Mayor Eric Adams. She was a key political figure known for her significant influence in city governance and her close alliance with the mayor.
She faces charges of conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering, stemming from allegations of receiving over $100,000 in bribes to influence city decisions.
The allegations involve a quid pro quo scheme in which she used her position to expedite city approvals for business projects in exchange for financial benefits routed through her son.
She has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released without bail, although she is subject to travel restrictions pending her trial.
Prosecutors have cited wiretaps, financial records, and encrypted communications as evidence linking her to the alleged bribery scheme.
