Resignation rocks Adams administration amid federal investigation

Sheena Wright, the First Deputy Mayor under Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned, adding to the growing list of high-profile departures from a beleaguered administration. Wright officially stepped down on Tuesday, a move that comes in the wake of an extensive federal investigation into Adams and several of his top officials.

Having served in the Adams administration since January 2022, Wright first held the position of Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives before being elevated to First Deputy Mayor in 2023. In her role, she was responsible for overseeing key mayoral initiatives and various city agencies, including the budget office and finance department.

In a statement to The Epoch Times, the mayor’s office expressed gratitude for Wright’s contributions, stating, “We are grateful for First Deputy Mayor Wright’s years of service to the city and all she has done to deliver for children, families, and working-class New Yorkers. She is an exceptional leader who assembled a strong team and constantly demonstrated a bold vision for this city.”

Wright’s resignation paves the way for Maria Torres-Springer, currently the Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, to assume the role of First Deputy Mayor. The mayor’s office hailed Torres-Springer’s two decades of experience in city leadership, emphasizing her accomplishments in housing and economic development as critical for the administration’s future.

This departure comes on the heels of a federal investigation that has scrutinized the activities of several senior officials within the Adams administration. Following the FBI raids on September 4, which involved searches of homes and the seizure of phones belonging to five senior officials, all have either resigned or indicated their plans to do so. Notably, this includes Schools Chancellor David Banks, Wright’s husband; Phil Banks, her brother-in-law and former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety; Tim Pearson, a senior adviser to Adams; and Police Commissioner Edward Caban.

In her first public comments following the FBI raids, Wright denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I am cooperating fully with any investigation. I’m confident that I have done nothing wrong, and I just remain committed to doing the work that we have to do.” Notably, there have been no formal accusations against her.

Also Read:Mekong River Commission delays flood warning app amid criticism over acccessibility

The federal investigation into Adams is reportedly linked to allegations of corruption, including accusations of accepting illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips in exchange for political favors. The mayor, facing five criminal charges, has pleaded not guilty and has resisted calls for his resignation. The indictment claims that Adams “not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign from foreign nationals,” suggesting that his influence was exploited by those seeking favorable treatment.

Adding to the uncertainty, federal prosecutors indicated on October 2 that Adams may face additional charges, potentially expanding the scope of the indictment as the case progresses.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed that she has privately urged Adams to make changes within his administration, deeming Pearson’s resignation a “good first step.” “I’m just letting him know that we’re monitoring the situation,” Hochul told reporters. “We expect changes. That’s not a secret. And changes are beginning.”

Should Adams resign or be removed by the governor, the next in line for mayor would be Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, followed by Comptroller Brad Lander, who is currently campaigning for the position. As the investigation continues, the future of the Adams administration remains precarious.