Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with three other individuals, has been charged in a federal bribery investigation, according to prosecutors. The charges were announced on June 24, 2026, following a lengthy probe into alleged corruption involving city contracts and campaign contributions.
Details of the Charges
The indictment, unsealed in federal court in Manhattan, accuses Carone and the others of participating in a scheme to funnel bribes through a consulting firm in exchange for favorable treatment on city development projects. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2024, the defendants conspired to corrupt the city's contracting process, securing millions of dollars in benefits for themselves and associates.
The other charged individuals include a former city official, a real estate developer, and a lobbyist. All four face counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Carone, who served as Adams' chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, is also charged with making false statements to federal agents.
Impact on Adams and City Hall
The charges have sent shockwaves through New York City politics, as Adams himself has not been implicated in the indictment. However, the probe has raised questions about oversight in his administration. Adams, who left office in 2025, released a statement expressing confidence in the justice system but declining further comment.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the investigation is ongoing. “This office will continue to root out corruption at all levels of government,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in a press conference. “These charges reflect our commitment to holding public officials and those who seek to influence them accountable.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Carone and his co-defendants are expected to appear in court later this week. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charges. Defense attorneys for Carone have not yet commented. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat municipal corruption.
