FBI agents conducted searches this week at the residences of three key deputies to New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Electronic devices were seized from the homes of Phillip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, and Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor. Additionally, the home of Timothy Pearson, a former high-ranking official in the New York Police Department who advises the mayor on public safety, was also searched.
Spokespersons for the FBI and Mayor Adams declined to provide any comments regarding the searches. Benjamin Brafman, an attorney for Phillip Banks, confirmed the search at his client's home but refrained from further elaboration.
This development adds to the legal challenges facing Mayor Adams' administration. Adams, a first-term Democrat and former NYPD captain, had his phones and iPad seized by federal agents in November. Furthermore, the home of one of his top fundraisers was raided. While denying any wrongdoing, Adams acknowledged receiving a subpoena from federal prosecutors last month.
Timothy Pearson is currently embroiled in multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment of female employees. He is also under investigation for his involvement in a brawl at a shelter for homeless migrants. A lawyer representing Pearson in the harassment case did not respond immediately to inquiries.
Phillip Banks had been previously identified by federal prosecutors as an 'unindicted co-conspirator' in a police bribery investigation during the tenure of former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Banks retired abruptly in 2014 but returned to city government after Adams assumed office in 2022.
Sheena Wright, the first deputy mayor, resides with her partner, David Banks, who serves as the city's schools chancellor and is the brother of Phillip Banks. It remains unclear whether investigators also sought records related to David Banks.
A spokesperson for the city's Law Department opted not to provide any comments on the matter.
