Federal agents arrested Frank Carone, former chief of staff to ex-New York Mayor Eric Adams, on Wednesday in a bribery investigation. Carone and three others—including his brother, Anthony Carone, and two business associates—were indicted on charges alleging they accepted $120,000 in bribes to steer a $7 million migrant shelter contract to a Queens hotel. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The indictment claims the bribes were funneled through an account controlled by Anthony Carone. Prosecutors allege the payments were made in exchange for securing an emergency shelter contract for a Microtel hotel in Long Island City, Queens, during the 2022 migrant influx. The city ultimately awarded the contract to Microtel, despite it being smaller than another competing hotel, according to unnamed city employees quoted in the indictment.
The charges are the latest in a series of corruption probes involving Adams’ administration. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, another close ally of Adams, is still fighting separate bribery charges. Adams himself faces no charges and has not been implicated in the case.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the arrests were part of a joint investigation with the FBI, emphasizing the department’s commitment to integrity. A spokesman for Adams defended Carone, calling him a dedicated public servant and expressing support for his family.
The defendants face 13 counts, including conspiracy, federal program bribery, and obstruction. The case remains under investigation.