DA Investigates Mayor Adams's Aides, Including Jesse Hamilton, in Bribery Probe; Cushman & Wakefield Broker's Phone Seized

Oct 11, 2024, 10:07 AM

The Manhattan district attorney's office has initiated an investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams's administration, focusing on city leases and potential bribery involving real estate deals. Prosecutors have seized phones from five individuals, including aides to Mayor Adams, as part of the inquiry. Central to the investigation is Jesse Hamilton, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services deputy commissioner who oversees city leasing activities. Hamilton has been instrumental in facilitating deals that have benefited struggling commercial landlords with empty office spaces, often through taxpayer-funded city leases. The probe also extends to a top real estate firm, Cushman & Wakefield, with a broker from the firm having their phone seized by prosecutors. The investigation is examining the interactions between commercial real estate owners, lobbyists, brokers, and associates within the Adams administration.