Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is at the center of a corruption scandal involving allegations of bribery and misuse of public office. Lewis-Martin, along with her co-defendants, has pleaded not guilty to charges outlined in a four-count indictment that accuses her of accepting over USD 100,000 in bribes from two New York City hoteliers. Prosecutors allege the funds were used to finance luxuries, including a Porsche for her son, Glenn Martin II.
Court documents reveal that Lewis-Martin allegedly traded political favors in exchange for financial rewards. In conversations with investigators, she reportedly claimed confidence in her connections, stating, “Corrections will take care of me. I’ve been good to them.” Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office plan to introduce these statements as evidence at trial.
Lewis-Martin also apologized to her co-defendants while in custody, saying, “I’m sorry you’re both there because of me, because of who I am.” The co-defendants include her son, hotelier Mayank Dwivedi, and real estate investor Raizada Vaid. All three have pleaded not guilty alongside Lewis-Martin and were released without bail.
The case has drawn further attention due to statements allegedly made by Lewis-Martin and her co-defendants during the investigation. For instance, Vaid reportedly commented, “Whenever you shake hands with a politician, it will cost you money,” during a search of his Long Island home. While Vaid’s legal team disputes these remarks, prosecutors are expected to challenge his denial in court.
Authorities also seized Lewis-Martin’s phone during an airport stop in September, after she returned from a vacation in Japan. The encounter reportedly frustrated Lewis-Martin, who told investigators, “Who am I bribing? What is money laundering? Check my banks’ records.”
Lewis-Martin abruptly resigned from her City Hall position in December, just before appearing in Manhattan Supreme Court to plead not guilty. Her resignation came a month before her planned departure. Meanwhile, her son, Glenn Martin II, was reported to have urged his mother to remain silent during questioning, saying, “Callate la boca,” Spanish for “shut your mouth.”
All four defendants are scheduled to appear in court early next month as the case progresses. The indictment represents a significant legal challenge for Lewis-Martin, a longtime confidant of Mayor Adams.
Source: New York Post, January 21, 2025
