Political Scrutiny Surrounds Hochul’s Running Mate Over Funding Controversy
Former New York City Council President Adrian Adams, who is running alongside Governor Kathy Hochul, has come under fire for funneling $435,000 in taxpayer money to a questionable immigrant shelter provider currently linked to a federal corruption probe.
As reported, Adams allocated $375,000 from discretionary funds to BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a Brooklyn-based nonprofit, from 2022 to 2025. This money targeted their senior and youth after-school programs, according to legislative records. Additionally, she earmarked another $60,000 specifically for mental health services.
Since 2021, the council under Adams’ leadership has channeled a total of $544,900 to BHRAGS. Other council members also contributed: Farrah Lewis gave $72,000, while others provided the remaining $37,900.
There are ongoing federal investigations into possible misconduct involving individuals close to Adams. For instance, Deborah Lewis, a sister of Farrah Lewis, serves as Hochul’s assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs. Allegations suggest that some accepted bribes related to boosting BHRAGS.
BHRAGS itself has landed $185.4 million in no-bid contracts since 2022 to offer emergency shelter for immigrants and those experiencing homelessness, as reported by the New York City Comptroller’s Office. However, the nonprofit’s executive director and others associated with BHRAGS were recently arrested in connection with an investigation into alleged embezzlement of over $1 million.
A representative from BHRAGS mentioned that their executive director has been put on administrative leave and is cooperating with law enforcement. While neither of the Lewis sisters nor Adams’ connections have faced charges yet, Hochul took action by placing Deborah Lewis on leave upon hearing about the investigation.
Robert Holden, a former City Councilman, remarked that the significant taxpayer funding directed toward BHRAGS raises serious concerns worthy of federal scrutiny. He implied that if action is to be taken against Farrah Lewis, then it should also extend to Adams, questioning her integrity.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman also voiced concerns, emphasizing that Adams had given even more taxpayer dollars to the scandal-ridden organization. He described the situation as a cycle of corruption requiring immediate attention from New Yorkers.
Interestingly, Farrah Lewis has expressed her discontent with Adams, recently filing a $10 million lawsuit against her and some City Council employees for alleged discrimination based on her Haitian descent, despite several other council members also sharing that heritage.
Former Councilwoman Diana Ayala defended Adams, claiming her leadership has always been above reproach and that funding decisions were made responsibly, based on the organization’s track record.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Hochul-Adams campaign stated that no subpoenas or communications have been received from federal investigators regarding the allegations. Campaign spokeswoman Sarafina Titica even criticized Blakeman’s comments, suggesting that corruption has flourished under his oversight in Nassau County.
The federal prosecutor’s office in Brooklyn, which is examining the case, has yet to make any public statements.
