A Brooklyn City Council member, along with her sister—who works for Governor Kathy Hochul—and her husband, a Democratic state lawmaker, are being investigated by federal prosecutors for alleged bribery. This involves supporting an immigrant shelter provider that has secured $200 million in city contracts.
City Councilmember Farrah Lewis and Hochul’s sister, Debbie Lewis, who previously served as New York City’s assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs, are mentioned in the search warrant. This warrant aims to gather evidence of potential criminal activities.
The warrant, signed on March 19, also includes Edu Hamelin, the spouse of state Representative and Brooklyn Democratic Party leader Rodney Bichotte Hamelin.
Investigators are examining whether these Brooklyn Democrats received kickbacks in return for their actions benefiting BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a company that transitioned from providing home services to operating immigrant shelters. Reports indicate the warrant seeks information about phone usage related to the case.
BHRAGS landed its initial contract to manage an emergency migrant shelter in 2022, coinciding with the city’s ongoing migrant crisis. Since then, the company has received over a dozen contracts for homeless services, amounting to more than $200 million.
One Brooklyn official close to Mr. Bichotte Hamelin has suggested that the investigation might be driven by political motivations. “This feels like political persecution from the far right, targeting immigrants and their advocates,” an insider shared. “As of now, no charges have been filed, and we believe the facts will lead to the matter being dismissed.”
Federal authorities have reportedly conducted multiple raids related to this investigation, according to sources.
After being informed of the federal inquiry, Debbie Lewis was placed on administrative leave, a spokesperson for the governor confirmed.
The investigation does not involve the governor’s office or any issues regarding state funds, as per individuals familiar with the situation.
Efforts to reach out to Farrah Lewis and Bichotte Hamelin for comments were not successful.
