BHRAGS Homecare Secures City Contracts Amid Legal Troubles

The administration led by Mamdani has granted $200 million in contracts to a Brooklyn nonprofit, BHRAGS Homecare, even after its leaders faced indictments for bribery and corruption. This decision comes just two months after those charges were made, as confirmed by The Post.

BHRAGS, which manages homeless shelters, is set to receive at least two new contracts—one worth $136 million for adult homeless shelters and another for $50 million to provide social services at hotels, based on city records.

However, Gothamist reports that the nonprofit must operate under independent oversight in its dealings with the city. The outlet first mentioned the ongoing issues with the contracts.

Executive Director Roberto Samedi and former board president Jean-Ronald Tirras are alleged to have misappropriated funds and accepted kickbacks totaling approximately $1.3 million. Their indictment, announced in March, raised concerns regarding several notable Democrats in the city.

BHRAGS has also received over $450,000 from discretionary funds allocated by Councilwoman Farrah Lewis (D-Brooklyn). Earlier this year, federal investigators executed a search at the homes of Lewis and her sister, Debbie Lewis, an aide to Governor Kathy Hochul. Neither has faced any charges.

Both Samedi and Tirras have entered not guilty pleas to the charges brought against them.

Despite the federal investigation, officials in Mayor Mamdani’s administration have defended their ongoing partnership with BHRAGS. Neha Sharma, a spokesperson for the Department of Human Services, stated that the use of government-appointed monitors would help ensure accountability and facilitate the organization’s rebuilding process.

Requests for comments from the Department of Social Services remained unanswered.