Federal Bribery Charges Target Ex-mayor Adams' Close Aides

WHO:

AP News - Frank Carone, former chief of staff to ex-New York Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested.

AP News - Other defendants include Anthony Carone, hotel owner Yan Po Zhu, and hotel employee Crystal Chen.

AP News - Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Winik made statements regarding the case.

AP News - Frank Carone's lawyer is Arthur Aidala.

AP News - Adams spokesperson Todd Shapiro provided a statement.

WHAT:

AP News - Frank Carone faces federal bribery charges related to a migrant shelter contract.

AP News - Carone allegedly accepted over $120,000 in bribes to facilitate a contract for a hotel deemed unsuitable for sheltering migrants.

AP News - The hotel received $6.8 million to shelter migrants despite being rejected by the city’s Social Services Department.

AP News - All four defendants pleaded not guilty to various charges.

AP News - The indictment includes charges of obstruction of justice against Carone.

WHERE:

AP News - The events took place in New York City, specifically involving a hotel in Queens.

AP News - Search warrants were executed at the homes of NYPD Chief of Manhattan South James McCarthy, former Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard, and former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.

WHEN:

AP News - Carone was arrested on a Wednesday.

AP News - The hotel contract discussions began in 2022.

AP News - In December 2023, Zhu texted Carone regarding payment for a year.

WHY:

AP News - The charges stem from allegations that Carone exploited his position for personal gain.

AP News - The investigation into Carone is part of a broader scrutiny of Adams’ inner circle following previous corruption allegations.

HOW:

AP News - Carone allegedly received bribes through Anthony Carone’s law firm.

AP News - Prosecutors claim Carone deleted a text message after learning he was under investigation.

(UPDATED June 24, 2026 23:25 UTC)

Frank Carone, who served as chief of staff to New York Mayor Eric Adams, has been arrested on federal bribery charges related to a migrant shelter contract, along with three other defendants, including hotel owner Yan Po Zhu and employee Crystal Chen. The indictment alleges that Carone accepted over $120,000 in bribes to facilitate a contract for a hotel that was deemed unsuitable for sheltering migrants, despite the hotel receiving $6.8 million for that purpose. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to various charges, and the investigation is part of a wider scrutiny of Adams' inner circle following previous corruption allegations.