NEW YORK – The homes of two top officials of Mayor Eric Adams were searched Wednesday morning, sources told CBS News New York.
The homes of First Vice Mayor Sheena Wright and Vice Mayor Philip Banks were raided, with FBI agents participating.
Wright shares a house with Schools Chancellor David Banks. Philip Banks is David Banks’ brother.
So far, no official reason has been given for the raids, but sources familiar with the investigation say they are not believed to be linked to an earlier probe into expensive upgrades on international flights to Turkey as part of the corruption investigation into Adams’ 2021 campaign.
It’s the latest sign of law enforcement interest in the Adams administration. Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign is under investigation for corruption, with new summonses will be issued in July. Adams himself was summoned
In 2023, the FBI raided the home of Adams’ then-fundraiser Brianna Suggsin an investigation believed to focus on campaign financing.
Adams has said he is cooperating with any ongoing investigation.
Wright, an attorney, has served on the Adams board since 2022, initially as first deputy mayor for strategic initiatives before being named first deputy mayor in 2023. She previously served as president and CEO of United Way of New York City and held similar roles at the Abyssinian Development Corporation.
Philip Banks joined the Adams administration in 2022 as deputy mayor for public safety. He previously served as chief of department at the NYPD.
