A former chief of staff to ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams was arrested Wednesday on federal bribery charges tied to a lucrative migrant shelter contract, as prosecutors continue to examine alleged corruption within Adams’ former inner circle.
Frank Carone, a longtime political power broker and one of the architects of Adams’ rise, was charged alongside three others in a case centered on how a Queens hotel secured a multimillion-dollar contract to house migrants despite repeated objections from city officials.
Charges
Federal prosecutors allege Carone exploited his position to steer a migrant shelter contract to a hotel deemed unsuitable by the city’s Department of Social Services. In exchange, he allegedly received more than $100,000 in bribes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Winik told the court that Carone “put his own wealth and status above duty” while serving as a senior official in city government.
Carone is charged with bribery and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors say he deleted incriminating messages after learning he was under investigation.
Defendants
Also charged were Carone’s brother, Anthony Carone, hotel owner Yan Po Zhu, and hotel employee Crystal Chen. All four defendants pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearance and were later released on bond.
Bail amounts ranged from $100,000 for Chen to $8 million for Zhu. The defendants and most of their attorneys declined to comment after the hearing.
Carone’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said the case rests on speculation rather than evidence.
“There is not one fact that indicates Frank Carone did anything specific to influence anything in our government,” Aidala said.
Contract
According to the indictment, Zhu’s hotel received about $6.8 million beginning in 2022 as New York City scrambled to expand shelter capacity amid a surge of migrants.
Prosecutors said the facility had been repeatedly rejected due to its size and community opposition. Court filings allege that Zhu and Chen funneled bribe payments through Anthony Carone’s law firm to secure Carone’s help.
Text messages cited in the indictment show Zhu asking for Carone’s assistance with the contract and later referencing payments made on his behalf.
Background
Carone served as Adams’ chief of staff in 2022 before leaving city government to start a political consulting firm. He previously worked as a Brooklyn Democratic Party lawyer and was known as a key strategist in Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
An Adams spokesperson said Carone had dedicated decades to public service. Adams himself is not accused of wrongdoing in this case.
The former mayor was indicted in 2024 on separate bribery and campaign finance charges that were later dismissed by Justice Department leaders. Adams has denied any wrongdoing.
Separate Probe
In a separate, unrelated investigation, federal authorities executed search warrants Wednesday at the homes of several current and former New York Police Department leaders, including Chief of Manhattan South James McCarthy and former Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard.
Former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey’s home was also searched, according to officials familiar with the investigation. No arrests have been announced in that probe, and authorities said it is not connected to Carone’s case.
Outlook
Carone’s arrest marks another chapter in ongoing federal scrutiny of New York City leadership during Adams’ administration. Prosecutors have indicated their investigations are continuing, and additional court proceedings are expected in the coming months.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the bribery case?
Former NYC mayoral chief of staff Frank Carone.
What is Carone accused of doing?
Taking bribes to steer a migrant shelter contract.
Was Eric Adams charged in this case?
No, Adams is not accused of wrongdoing here.
What was the contract worth?
The hotel received about $6.8 million.
Are other investigations ongoing?
Yes, unrelated probes involve NYPD officials.
