Former NYC Liaison Faces Federal Charges

Anthony Herbert, who previously served as a senior community liaison for ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was taken into custody this week on charges related to federal corruption and fraud. He gained notoriety last year after his dismissal following controversial remarks on social media, where he implied that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was “karma” for Kirk’s comments deemed racist.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors accused the 61-year-old Herbert of running multiple corruption schemes during his time in office.

According to prosecutors, Herbert allegedly secured around $16,000 through bribery and kickbacks from funeral service providers to sway city security contracts. Additionally, the charges state that he submitted fake Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications for a non-existent bakery before joining the city and misappropriated over $20,000.

“New Yorkers deserve honest and competent public servants,” stated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, while Anthony Herbert served as City Hall’s liaison to the city’s public housing residents, he engaged in a blatant pay scheme to line his own pockets. The men and women of the Southern District of New York are committed to holding accountable government officials who abuse their positions of trust for their own benefit.”

Herbert held the liaison position from 2022 until September 2025, when he was terminated due to his social media comments on Kirk. In one particular post, he remarked, “You’re spot on or should I say racist!!”

In a follow-up video, Herbert remarked about Kirk’s death, stating he felt no remorse and that “karma has built up.” While he later deleted these posts, the damage was done, and he was quickly let go; he subsequently released a statement defending his controversial views.

Herbert was arrested in Manhattan on Tuesday and charged with six offenses by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, which include bribery, wire fraud, extortion, honest services wire fraud, and federal program fraud.

Reports indicate Herbert engaged in two “pay-to-play” schemes during his time at City Hall. The first involved accepting bribes to facilitate a contract between a security company and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide security services at public housing locations. Allegedly, Herbert offered explicit instructions on the process and pressured city officials to finalize the deal.

“As alleged, while serving as City Hall’s liaison to the city’s public housing residents, Anthony Herbert engaged in an overt pay-to-play scheme to line his own pockets,” commented the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

The second scheme reportedly involved Herbert taking kickbacks by pressuring local officials to authorize payments to funeral directors under the current Low Income Burial Assistance Program.

Before joining the Adams administration, he is accused of submitting false PPP loan applications for a non-existent bakery and unlawfully obtaining over $20,000.

“We suspect that Anthony Herbert used his position in the New York City Mayor’s Office to create a sideline of bribery and fraud,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent Harry T. Chavis Jr. “He is alleged to have used his role to enrich himself by providing unfair benefits to certain companies.”

Following his arraignment, Herbert, approached by reporters outside the courthouse, insisted on his innocence. He told CBS News that he was merely “doing his job,” framing his actions as professional relationships with the involved parties.

“I did nothing wrong,” asserted Herbert. “I didn’t do any of that.”

His attorney confirmed that he has pleaded not guilty, and they plan to let the case unfold in court.

Herbert’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 30.