Investigators seized the phones of Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, during a search of her Brooklyn home on Friday. The actions appear to be tied to two different investigations, though information about the morning’s events and the nature of the state inquiry was preliminary. Several people with knowledge of the matter confirmed that the two sets of investigators met Ms. Lewis-Martin at the airport, served her with the subpoena and seized her phone.
A grand jury subpoena was also delivered to Lewis-Martin, who has been close to Adams for 40 years, according to her attorney. Though specifics are yet unknown, it appears that the search and seizure are related to two current investigations.
Lewis-Martin, considered the mayor's deputy, was halted by federal and state agents at Kennedy International Airport. She had recently returned from a holiday in Japan. As soon as she landed, a team of investigators from the state and the federal government met her. She was informed that her home will be searched and her phones were taken away.
According to Arthur Aidala, her attorney, Lewis-Martin will assist the investigations to the fullest extent possible. He also made it clear that she isn't the target of any active cases at this time. In spite of this, it appears that the investigations are connected to the larger legal issues involving the mayor's office.
Mayor Adams was charged with wire fraud and bribery in federal court, only hours after the seizure. Adams is charged in the Southern District of New York indictment with taking bribes in return for public benefits. He entered a not guilty plea.
As Adams' principal adviser since 2006, Lewis-Martin has developed a reputation as his political enforcer. She has highlighted her allegiance to Adams in past interviews, frequently referring to herself as his "sister ordained by God."
The investigation into Lewis-Martin could be related to an additional indictment of Eric Ulrich, the mayor's former top advisor. Lewis-Martin was said to be good friends with Ulrich, who was accused of bribery last year, during his time in the administration. The court filings indicate that Lewis-Martin may have spoken with Ulrich's co-defendants even though she was not listed in the indictment.
The extent of her involvement is still being investigated as state and federal officials pursue their investigations.