It’s been a turbulent period for the allies, advisers, and key aides of Mayor Eric Adams, who recently became the first New York City mayor in history to face a corruption indictment. His troubles are compounded by a wave of resignations and departures from his administration, several of which are linked to ongoing investigations.
Here’s a list of former officials who have left the Adams administration:
Timothy Pearson
A close confidant and top aide to Adams, Pearson resigned Monday amidst the expanding federal corruption probe engulfing City Hall. The retired NYPD inspector, who managed security contracts for migrant shelters, is under investigation for allegedly interfering in contractor selections in exchange for kickbacks.
According to an April lawsuit, Pearson was quoted saying, “People are doing very well on these contracts. I have to get mine. Where are my crumbs?” Federal agents raided his home in early September and seized his phones, as part of a broader investigation involving other city officials and Adams allies. Despite holding on for weeks, Pearson finally announced his resignation, with his last day set for Friday.
Edward Caban
Former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban stepped down last month following a federal raid on his home and mounting pressure from City Hall. Federal agents seized Caban’s electronic devices as part of an investigation into potential influence peddling.
Caban, an NYPD veteran of more than 30 years, was appointed by Adams just a year ago to replace former commissioner Keechant Sewell. In his resignation email, Caban wrote, “For the good of this city and this department — I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner.”
Though Caban hasn’t been charged, the investigation also extends to his twin brother, James, who is accused of working as a “fixer” for upscale Manhattan establishments facing police issues.
David Banks
Schools Chancellor David Banks announced last week that he would retire at the end of the year, a decision made just weeks after federal agents raided his Harlem home on September 4, seizing cell phones belonging to him and his wife, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.
Banks claimed he wasn’t a target and brushed off questions about his resignation, later stating he had planned to retire all along: “I intend to retire at the end of this calendar year after ensuring the school year got off to a good start.”
The probe also involved his brothers, Terence Banks, a former MTA official-turned-consultant, and Philip Banks, Adams’ deputy mayor for public safety. None of the Banks brothers have been charged.
Lisa Zornberg
Lisa Zornberg, City Hall’s chief counsel and a former senior Manhattan federal prosecutor, resigned shortly after Caban’s departure. Zornberg had reportedly been eyeing an exit due to increasing frustration with the administration’s chaotic management and Adams’ reluctance to address issues surrounding key figures like Phil Banks, Tim Pearson, and Winnie Greco, the city’s director of Asian affairs.
In her resignation letter, Zornberg wrote, “I am tendering my resignation, effective today, as I have concluded that I can no longer effectively serve in my position.” She has not been implicated in the federal investigations.
Ashwin Vasan
Ashwin Vasan, the city’s health commissioner, announced last week that he would be stepping down at the end of the year. Vasan, who has served as New York City’s top health official since March 2022, has not been linked to the ongoing investigations. He has agreed to stay on until a successor is found.
