Indicted Mayor Adams and aides draw $3M in taxpayer salaries
Mayor Adams and aides' taxpayer salaries total nearly $3 million annually
A new analysis reveals that indicted Mayor Eric Adams and 13 of his mostly former top aides have collectively drawn nearly $3 million in annual taxpayer-funded salaries. The list, compiled by the government watchdog group Open The Books, includes salaries of $258,750 for Adams, $363,346 each for then-Schools Chancellor David Banks and his wife, then-First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and $251,982 for Bank’s brother, then-Deputy Mayor Philip Banks.
The FBI has seized the phones and searched the homes of Adams and the Banks. Senior mayoral adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin, earning $252,982, was subpoenaed and had her phone seized at Kennedy Airport upon returning from a trip to Japan. Timothy Pearson, a former senior adviser with a $242,000 salary, resigned last month after his phone was seized.
Then-Police Commissioner Edward Caban and current interim Commissioner Tom Donlon, both earning $242,592, also had their homes searched, and Caban’s phone was seized. Adams’ girlfriend, Tracy Collins, who earns $221,597 as a senior adviser in the city Education Department, is mentioned in the indictment accusing Adams of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery involving Turkish nationals, though she faces no charges.
Yall know I despise Eric Adams, but $250k to be MAYOR OF NYC is criminally low. No wonder he was stealing. That is no money! https://t.co/JEYZCB8sr4
— Social Twurker for Harris (@SocialTwurker) October 23, 2024
Adams has denied any wrongdoing and is contesting the charges. Other former aides include Winnie Greco, paid $100,000, and Rana Abbosova and Mohammad Bahi, each earning $80,000. Bahi, a former City Hall special assistant, was charged with witness-tampering and destroying evidence. Greco, under scrutiny for ties to Chinese nationals, recently resigned. Abbosova, fired, is a key figure in the criminal case against Adams.
Molly Schaefer, director of the office of asylum operations with a $201,000 salary, was subpoenaed as part of a probe into emergency contracts for migrant services. City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, earning $213,000, is under investigation for his office’s handling of cash seizures at illegal pot shops.
Except for Adams and Bahi, the other mentioned staffers are not accused of wrongdoing. Open The Books advocates for more City Council oversight of mayoral appointees, similar to the US Senate’s confirmation process for presidential appointees and the state Senate’s for gubernatorial selections.
Open The Books spokesman Christopher Neefus highlighted the high living costs in New York and the public’s expectation for ethical conduct from public servants. He stressed the need for greater oversight to prevent future corruption scandals. Adams’ office dismissed the analysis, defending the dedication of over 300,000 city employees to serving New Yorkers daily.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL: New York City taxpayers have paid out nearly $3 million in annual salaries to indicted Mayor Eric Adams and 13 of his top advisers, raising questions about accountability and public funds use.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How much are Mayor Eric Adams and his aides earning in salaries?
Nearly $3 million annually in taxpayer-funded salaries.
Which high-ranking officials had their phones seized by the FBI?
Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and several senior advisers.
Is Mayor Eric Adams accused of any crimes?
Yes, he is accused of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery.
What organization compiled the salary information?
The government watchdog group Open The Books.
What does Open The Books advocate for?
More City Council oversight of mayoral appointees to prevent future corruption.
