A key figure in New York City's administration steps down, fueling speculation about an ongoing investigation.
ABC News reported that New York City Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright has resigned. She is the tenth high-level official to depart Mayor Eric Adams' administration amid a growing federal investigation.
Wright's resignation comes in the wake of a search of her home and the confiscation of her electronic devices by federal officials last month. Mayor Adams acknowledged Wright's departure in a statement, praising her service to the city and her leadership.
The resignation occurs against the backdrop of Mayor Adams' own legal troubles. Two weeks prior to Wright's departure, Adams was indicted on charges related to an alleged straw donor scheme and accepting gifts from Turkish nationals in exchange for favors. The mayor has entered a plea of not guilty to these charges.
Wright's exit is part of a broader pattern of departures from the Adams administration as the federal probe intensifies. The investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year, has targeted several of Adams' closest allies and administrators.
On September 4, federal agents conducted a search of the home shared by Wright and School Chancellor David Banks, who had recently married. The search resulted in the seizure of evidence, including electronic devices. Banks announced his resignation as school chancellor twenty days after the search.
It's important to note that neither Wright nor Banks have been charged with any crimes at this point in the investigation. However, their departures, along with those of other high-ranking officials, have raised questions about the extent of the federal inquiry.
The list of officials who have resigned and had their devices confiscated by investigators in recent weeks is extensive. It includes Phil Banks III, the former deputy mayor for public safety and brother of the school chancellor, Winnie Greco, a long-time confidant of Adams who served as the administration's director of Asian affairs, and former Police Commissioner Edward Caban.
In a related development, Mohamed Bahi, who recently resigned as the senior liaison in the Adams administration's community affairs office, was arrested on Tuesday. Bahi faces charges of allegedly obstructing the investigation into the mayor and his campaign, as well as witness tampering and destroying evidence.
Mayor Adams addressed Wright's departure at a news conference, announcing that Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, Maria Torres-Springer, would assume Wright's responsibilities.
Adams expressed gratitude for Wright's contributions, stating:
She has served New Yorkers well over the course of our administration in helping to expand access to child care, deliver free internet access to public housing residents, and battle the scourge of gun violence in our city. We wish her well in all her future endeavors.
The ongoing federal investigation and the series of high-profile resignations have cast a shadow over the Adams administration. The probe appears to be far-reaching, touching various aspects of city governance and the mayor's inner circle.
The resignation of Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright marks a significant moment in the ongoing federal investigation into New York City's administration. Her departure, along with those of other high-ranking officials, underscores the seriousness and scope of the probe. The indictment of Mayor Eric Adams and the arrest of a former city hall official further complicate the situation, raising questions about the integrity of the city's leadership.
