Former NYC Mayor Adams' chief of staff and 3 others charged in federal bribery probe

Frank Carone, who served as chief of staff to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested Wednesday on federal bribery charges. Prosecutors accuse Carone of exploiting his position to secure more than $100,000 in payoffs. The alleged scheme involved steering a lucrative contract for a migrant shelter to a hotel that city social service officials had previously deemed unfit.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Winik stated in court that Carone "was entrusted to run our city government and instead put his own wealth and status above duty." Carone's attorney, Arthur Aidala, countered that the indictment "epitomizes the government first finding a target and then spending three years and enormous taxpayer resources to find a crime."

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Frank Carone was entrusted to run our city government and instead put his own wealth and status above duty.

Carone's brother, Anthony Carone, along with hotel owner Yan Po Zhu and hotel employee Crystal Chen, also face charges carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. All defendants pleaded not guilty through their legal representatives. The indictment details how Zhu's hotel received $6.8 million to house migrants starting in 2022, despite repeated concerns from the city's Social Services Department.

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the indictment epitomizes the government first finding a target and then spending three years and enormous taxpayer resources to find a crime.

Carone, a former Brooklyn Democratic Party lawyer and political operative, is recognized as a key figure in Adams' political ascent. He also previously drew attention for financial dealings with a Catholic church leader concerning a music video filmed at a sanctuary. Carone played a significant role in Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign and served as chief of staff in 2022 before forming a political consulting firm in 2023.

Adams' spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, stated that Carone "dedicated decades of his life to public service, the legal profession and helping countless individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations throughout New York." The federal investigation into Carone's alleged actions is the latest in a series of corruption allegations surrounding Adams' administration, even after the former mayor's own bribery charges were dismissed.

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Frank Carone dedicated decades of his life to public service, the legal profession and helping countless individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations throughout New York.