Federal authorities have arrested a former key figure in Eric Adams’s New York City administration, marking another chapter in the ongoing corruption probes surrounding the ex-mayor’s inner circle.
Anthony Herbert, once a liaison for public housing residents and a member of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, was taken into custody on Tuesday and arraigned in federal court that afternoon on charges of bribery, extortion, wire fraud, and federal program fraud. The Southern District of New York alleges he pocketed $11,000 in cash to funnel security contracts to a favored firm for the city’s Housing Authority.
These accusations have ignited fierce discussion about accountability in public office. Many see this as a troubling pattern within Adams’s team, where personal gain appears to trump public duty.
Beyond the contract steering, Herbert faces allegations of diverting burial assistance funds meant for struggling families to a funeral home, securing a $5,000 kickback in return, according to the federal release. A separate claim points to a fraudulent $20,418 loan application under a COVID-19 relief program for a supposed baked goods business, the Washington Examiner reported. The depth of these charges paints a picture of calculated betrayal.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton didn’t mince words, calling it a “blatant pay-to-play scheme” while highlighting Herbert’s alleged use of false financial disclosures to mask the payments. Such actions, if proven, erode the very foundation of trust in local governance.
Herbert’s own words, captured in a recorded exchange with a security executive, reveal a chilling casualness. “This is what we do, bro,” he reportedly said, shrugging off any sense of wrongdoing. That kind of arrogance begs the question of how deep this mindset runs in certain corners of City Hall.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Adams, whose administration continues to face legal heat even after his own corruption case was dismissed with prejudice in April 2025. Herbert’s arrest follows the conviction of another aide, Mohamed Bahi, for an illegal donations scheme, resulting in three years of probation. Meanwhile, chief adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin remains entangled in a bribery investigation.
These cascading scandals fuel a narrative of systemic rot that’s hard to ignore. Clayton drove the point home, stating, “New Yorkers deserve honest and competent public officials.” His vow to pursue those who exploit their roles for personal benefit resonates with anyone tired of seeing taxpayer dollars treated as a personal piggy bank.
For a city already grappling with housing crises and economic recovery, these betrayals sting even harder. When funds for burial assistance or pandemic relief are allegedly siphoned off, it’s the most vulnerable who pay the price. That’s not leadership; it’s a disgrace.
Herbert’s case isn’t just about one man’s alleged misdeeds; it’s a spotlight on the culture within Adams’s orbit. How many more shoes are left to drop? The public has every right to demand answers and reforms that prevent such schemes from taking root.
Outside the courtroom, Adams himself isn’t free from controversy, stirring anger with his promotion of a cryptocurrency, “NYC Token,” which tanked 80% in value within hours of its launch on Tuesday. While unrelated to Herbert’s charges, it adds to the perception of reckless judgment at the top. New Yorkers deserve better than a sideshow of scandals.
Look at the pattern here. When public servants prioritize personal enrichment over their sworn duties, it’s not just a legal issue; it’s a moral failing. The erosion of faith in city leadership won’t heal overnight.
Restoring confidence starts with consequences. Clayton’s commitment to rooting out corruption offers a glimmer of hope, but words must turn into sustained action. Prosecutors need to keep the pressure on, ensuring no one is above the law.
Equally important is the need for structural change in how city contracts and funds are managed. Transparency isn’t a buzzword; it’s a necessity to stop the next Herbert from gaming the system. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to wonder if their money is funding someone’s side hustle.
At the end of the day, New York City’s resilience depends on leaders who serve, not scheme. Cases like this are a wake-up call to demand integrity at every level. Let’s hope the message finally sinks in.