Mayor Eric Adams' top adviser boasted to investigators that the New York City Department of Corrections “takes care of me.” A former aide is staring down the barrel of a series of corruption charges, court documents reveal.
Ingrid Lewis Martin is accused of arranging favors with two Big Apple hoteliers in exchange for more than $100,000 in bribes. Prosecutors allege the bribes were provided to fund the purchase of a Porsche for her DJ son and other luxuries.
“I am not afraid. I know what I have done and what I have not done. This is a mistake. I have God and faith. I myself say to the judge: Manhattan Lewis Martin told three investigators, according to a letter from District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office to attorney Arthur Aidala.
“The fix takes care of me. I've been good to them,” Lewis Martin reportedly added.
In a Dec. 30 letter, Bragg's office said it plans to present evidence of Lewis Martin's statements at trial. The letter, signed by Assistant District Attorney Guy Tardanico, is one of four sent to attorneys representing defendants in the case.
While in custody, Lewis-Martin also apologized to his co-defendants, including his son Glenn Martin II, hotelier Mayank Dwivedi and real estate investor Raizada Vaid.
“I'm sorry you two are here because of me, because of who I am,” she told the three, according to the letter.
Another letter details the moment Lewis Martin was stopped by authorities at the airport and his cellphone confiscated after returning from a holiday in Japan in September.
At the time, Lewis-Martin admitted the exchange was heated, calling it “frustrating.”
“So you guys were the ones listening in on my calls. This is crazy. Who am I bribing? What is money laundering? Detailed in the letter According to new information about the exchange, she told investigators to check my bank records.
Meanwhile, a letter sent to Martín II's lawyer said that while at the prosecutor's office, Martín told his mother “carate la boca,'' which means “shut up'' in Spanish.
However, it remains unclear why he said such a thing.
Mr. Bragg's office also focused on comments Mr. Vaid allegedly made during a search of his Long Island home in October.
During the search, Vaid told his wife, “It was about a woman and the mayor,'' and later told investigators, “Every time I shake hands with a politician, it costs me money,'' according to the letter.
Jonathan Sack, Vaid's lawyer, said he “disputes” the alleged statements, but declined to comment further and said he would challenge them later “at the appropriate time in court.” .
Lewis Martin surrendered to authorities in December, arriving at Manhattan Supreme Court with his son wearing a leopard-print top and bold red lipstick. She has pleaded not guilty to four charges.
Prior to his court appearance, Lewis Martin abruptly resigned from City Hall about a month before he was scheduled to resign.
Martin II, Vaid and Dwivedi also pleaded not guilty. All four were released without bail and are scheduled to appear in court early next month.
Additional reporting by Kyle Schnitzer.
