Former Adams Administration Official Charged in Federal Bribery Case

A former senior official who worked under former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been arraigned on federal bribery and fraud charges, marking a fresh chapter in the sprawling legal scrutiny of City Hall during and after Adams’ tenure. The indictment, unsealed on January 13, 2026, accuses the ex-official of steering lucrative city contracts and benefits to select private interests in exchange for cash and other rewards — an effort prosecutors characterize as blatant corruption.

The defendant, Anthony “Tony” Herbert, 61, of Brooklyn, pleaded not guilty to a series of federal charges in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, including bribery, honest-services wire fraud, extortion under color of official right, federal program fraud and wire fraud. A judge released Herbert on $50,000 bail, ordering him to return to court on January 30.

At the courthouse, Herbert told reporters the allegations were unfounded. “These charges are bogus. I was doing my job,” he said as he left the courtroom. His attorney also entered the plea of not guilty on his behalf, signaling that the defense will contest the government’s claims vigorously.

Accused Schemes and Allegations

Federal prosecutors allege that Herbert used his influence within the Adams administration between 2022 and 2025 to run multiple “pay-to-play” schemes designed to enrich himself and benefit certain businesses. According to the indictment, he accepted at least $16,000 in bribes and kickbacks by steering municipal contracts and burial assistance payments toward two enterprises in exchange for cash.

Specifically, the U.S. Attorney’s Office claims Herbert solicited $11,000 from an executive with a private security company in return for pushing city officials to award that firm lucrative work — especially involving staffing at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments. Prosecutors released alleged recorded conversations and text messages between Herbert and the executive, in which Herbert discussed the business dealings and emphasized the importance of channeling government contracts through that company.

In a separate scheme, Herbert is accused of taking a $5,000 kickback from the director of a funeral home after influencing city officials to authorize more than $24,000 in reimbursements for burial services meant to assist low-income families. The indictment claims he manipulated the process involving publicly funded burial payments to benefit the funeral home, receiving money in return.

Beyond these alleged bribes, Herbert also faces fraud charges related to a fraudulent application for a federal COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Prosecutors say he obtained a more than $20,000 loan by falsely claiming to operate a bakery business, supported by what the government describes as a bogus invoice for a tie-dye cake. That loan, they say, was never used for legitimate business purposes and was part of his broader efforts to siphon government funds for personal gain.

The cumulative value of the bribes, kickbacks and fraudulent proceeds exceeds $36,000, and each count carries the potential for decades in prison if Herbert is convicted. Prosecutors indicated they have significant evidence, including recorded calls, texts, and business records, tying Herbert directly to these activities.

Context: Broader Investigation and Adams’ Case

Herbert’s indictment comes against the backdrop of broader federal investigations into corruption allegations involving several figures connected to Eric Adams’ City Hall. In late 2024, federal prosecutors had charged Adams himself with corruption, including federal bribery and illegal foreign campaign contributions — allegations he denied and pleaded not guilty to. Those charges, however, were dropped in the spring of 2025 under controversial circumstances, prompting the resignation of Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor.

The collapse of the case against Adams was a major legal and political drama, drawing scrutiny over whether political interference influenced the Justice Department’s handling of the matter. Adams, who later ended his bid for re-election, was succeeded at the start of 2026 by Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist who campaigned on promises of greater accountability and reform at City Hall.

While Adams himself currently faces no active federal charges, multiple aides and allies have been ensnared in federal corruption probes connected to his administration. Herbert’s arrest underscores ongoing efforts by prosecutors to pursue accountability for alleged abuses of public office and to restore public trust in city governance.

Reaction and Legal Stakes

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, speaking about the Herbert indictment, said, “New Yorkers deserve honest and competent public officials. As alleged, at a time when Anthony Herbert was serving as City Hall’s liaison to the City’s public housing residents, he engaged in blatant pay-to-play schemes to enrich himself.” Prosecutors’ statements reflect a broader message that corruption will be pursued aggressively, regardless of the official’s rank or connections.

As the case develops, Herbert’s defense is expected to challenge the government’s interpretation of his actions, claiming at least that some interactions were part of routine work or longstanding personal relationships. The forthcoming court appearances will shed further light on the evidence and defensive strategy.