Former NYPD commissioner accuses Adams of running a ‘criminal enterprise’
Former Interim Police Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon has accused Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD leaders of running a “criminal enterprise.”
Fox – 5 New York
Frank Carone, a close political ally of former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with federal corruption charges for allegedly extracting funds from the city’s immigration crisis.
Carone and three others – Anthony Carone, his brother; Hotel manager Crystal Chen. According to the indictment, prosecutors allege that hotelier Yang Po Zhu and hotel owner Yang Po Zhu were indicted for “devising and executing a scheme to profit from the city’s immigration crisis.” Frank Carone alleges that in exchange for the contract, he “agreed to accept a series of bribe payments” from Zhu and Chen through his brother.
According to the indictment, Zhu and Chen paid a total of about $120,000 to Frank Carone for a “multimillion-dollar emergency shelter contract.”
Carone, an attorney, served as Mayor Adams’ chief of staff during his first year in office. The New York Times reported earlier this year that he was under federal investigation.
The indictment includes 13 charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. The defendants were scheduled to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday for arraignment.
Arthur Aidala, a prominent criminal lawyer who works with Russell Capone and represents Carone, told USA TODAY: “Frank Carone was part of an administration that publicly challenged what he saw as the previous White House’s dangerous immigration policies and their negative impact on New York City. Three years ago, after speaking out on these issues, Mr. Carone was notified by federal authorities that he was under investigation.”
“After an extensive three-year investigation that examined various aspects of Mr. Carone’s personal and professional life, prosecutors ultimately brought these charges. Mr. Carone maintains his innocence and looks forward to addressing these allegations through the legal process.”
Mr. Capone did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the USA TODAY Network.
“Frank Carone has dedicated decades of his life to public service, the legal community, and supporting countless individuals, businesses, and charities across New York,” Adams spokesman Todd Shapiro said in a statement.
“This is an ongoing legal matter and our prayers are with his family.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
