FBI Raids Homes of 2 NYC Mayor’s Deputies; NYPD Commissioner Subpoenaed

The FBI recently conducted searches at the residences of two key aides to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, as part of an ongoing investigation. Sources informed ABC News that the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright in Hamilton Heights and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks in Hollis, Queens, were specifically targeted.

Sheena Wright, who is engaged to Schools Chancellor David Banks, is facing scrutiny along with her colleague Phil Banks, both of whom hold significant positions within the mayor’s office. Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel to Mayor Adams, issued a statement indicating that investigators have not indicated that the mayor or his staff are targets of any inquiry. Zornberg emphasized that, as a former law enforcement member, the mayor has consistently underscored the importance of adhering to the law for all team members.

While the FBI has chosen not to comment on the matter, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York likewise refrained from providing details.

Sources noted that the FBI seized various forms of evidence, including electronic devices, during the searches at Wright’s and Banks’ homes. To date, no formal charges have been filed against either aide.

The investigation appears to be broadening, as federal authorities have also issued subpoenas for the cell phones of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Tim Pearson, an adviser close to Mayor Adams. An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that the department is aware of the ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and affirmed that they are fully cooperating.

Four high-ranking NYPD officials, including Caban, have received subpoenas for their phones, with three additional other NYPD staff members also being subpoenaed under similar circumstances. Reports indicate that all individuals have complied with the requests and handed over their devices.

The subpoenas affecting law enforcement personnel are part of the same broader investigation that prompted the FBI’s searches at the homes of Wright and Banks.

As the highest-ranking officials in Mayor Adams’ administration to have their residences searched by federal agents, Wright and Banks find themselves at the center of an evolving situation. Phil Banks has previously faced inquiry from federal authorities; in 2014, he was named an unindicted coconspirator in a separate NYPD corruption investigation but was neither charged nor convicted. He stepped down from his position as chief of department, which is the highest-ranking uniformed role within the NYPD.

This investigation has also cast a net over other members of the mayor’s staff. Federal investigators have already executed searches at homes belonging to Brianna Suggs, the mayor’s chief campaign fundraiser; Rana Abbasova, an aide for international affairs; and Winnie Greco, who serves as a special adviser to the mayor as well as the director of Asian affairs.

While the investigation continues to unfold, a source close to the matter indicated that the searches conducted on Thursday do not seem to be tied to inquiries regarding whether Mayor Adams received political donations from Turkey in exchange for favors.

The ramifications of these investigations could have significant implications for the current administration, as well as the individuals implicated. As developments continue, the public and stakeholders are keenly observing how this situation will evolve and what further actions may be taken.