- Deputy Commissioner Jesse Hamilton resigned after pleading not guilty to a conspiracy charge.
- Prosecutors accused former mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin of running bribery schemes worth at least $75K.
- Six people, including developers and Lewis-Martin’s son, face charges tied to real estate and city contracts.
A Sudden Resignation
Bisnow reports that New York City lost a top real estate official Thursday. Jesse Hamilton, deputy commissioner for real estate services at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, quit after prosecutors charged him with a bribery conspiracy. Hamilton, a former state senator, entered a not guilty plea earlier in the day.
DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina accepted the resignation and said the agency will continue its work without disruption.
Allegations Against Lewis-Martin
The case centers on Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Eric Adams’ longtime adviser. She left her role late last year but now faces four new indictments.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg said she used her influence to steer contracts, push through city permits, and block other officials. In return, she allegedly received more than $75K in benefits. Those included cash, home renovations, catering services, and even a paid acting role on a TV show.
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Developers Pulled In
Several developers are also charged for bribery. Yechiel Landau, who is building an affordable housing project in Red Hook, allegedly secured faster approvals after covering renovation costs for Lewis-Martin and Hamilton.
Tian Ji Li allegedly directed migrant shelter contracts to certain landlords, took a 10% cut, and later wired money to Lewis-Martin. Prosecutors also said Li used his ties to speed up permits for his own karaoke bar.
The Argento siblings, who run Broadway Stages, allegedly worked with Lewis-Martin to alter a street redesign in Greenpoint. In return, they paid her, provided catering, and gave her an acting spot in one of their shows.
Political Fallout
All six defendants, including Lewis-Martin’s son, surrendered in court Thursday. They pleaded not guilty and walked free without bail.
Mayor Adams is not accused in this case. He expressed support for Lewis-Martin personally, while noting that she and Hamilton have the right to defend themselves.
Lewis-Martin now faces four conspiracy counts and four bribery counts. Those charges add to a December case that accused her of taking more than $100K in payoffs.
Why It Matters
The indictments highlight the risks of corruption in city real estate deals. Prosecutors said the schemes let political insiders, not experts, decide which projects moved forward.
Hamilton’s resignation leaves a gap in the city’s real estate leadership as New York continues to grapple with housing shortages and growing demand for shelters.
