a the most senior assistant of New York City Mayor Eric Adams (Democratic) resigned following the mayor's indictment.
Timothy Pearson tendered his resignation on Monday after his cellphone and documents were seized from his home by federal agents several weeks ago, according to his attorney Hugh H. Moe, the Associated Press reported. .
“Mr. Pearson has decided to resign so the mayor can reorganize his team. Mr. Pearson denies any wrongdoing,” Moe said in an email to The Hill.
He also accused the media of reporting “false and defamatory allegations unsupported by facts in pending civil cases and rumors of corruption in immigration services contracts prior to prosecution.”
According to the Associated Press, Pearson is a former police lieutenant who worked with Adams at the police department. His role also included overseeing contracts and security at migrant shelters.
Adams faces federal corruption charges, according to an indictment unsealed last week. Prosecutors said that starting in early 2014, the mayor solicited and received “illicit and valuable benefits” from wealthy foreign businessmen, including lavish overseas trips.
On Friday, Mr. Adams pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. He said at a news conference Thursday that he saw charges coming and vowed to fight back.
“I would like to hear our side of this story. From here on out, my attorney will be in charge of the case so I can take care of the city,” Adams said. . “My day to day remains the same. I will continue to do the work that 8.3 million New Yorkers elected me to do.”
Adams' lawyers on Monday asked a federal judge to drop the “extremely vague” bribery charges he faces.
“The indictment in this case alleges a 'bribery' scheme that does not meet the definition of bribery and, in fact, does not constitute a federal crime at all,” Adams attorney Alex Spiro wrote in a 25-page filing. said.
In an emailed statement to The Hill, Adams said Pearson had a “long career in both the public and private sectors, where he spent more than 30 years keeping New Yorkers safe.” .
“We thank Tim for his decades of service to this city and wish him the best,” Adams added.
The Associated Press contributed.
