A senior aide to Eric Adams proclaims her innocence — while apparently admitting her guilt
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the mayor's longest-serving and closest adviser, recently had her home raided.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — Just hours after criminal investigators confronted her at JFK airport to confiscate her phone while other agents searched her Brooklyn residence, a senior aide to Mayor Eric Adams took an unconventional step: she appeared on her attorney's talk radio show to assert her innocence.
And, arguably, her guilt.
The peculiar situation involved Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams' chief adviser, whom he refers to as his sister. It demonstrated her bold and unconventional approach.
While she did not deny any potential wrongdoing, she argued that her actions weren't significant. “We are imperfect, but we’re not thieves,” Lewis-Martin stated on air Friday night. “I do believe that in the end that the New York City public will see that we have not done anything illegal to the magnitude or scale that requires the federal government and the DA’s office to investigate us.”
Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, dismissed the seeming admission of guilt — however minor — as merely entertaining radio. “You know, she was brutally honest,” he remarked, noting her history of representing high-profile clients like ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner and ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, both familiar with controversy.
Aidala elaborated in an interview four days after her radio appearance, explaining, “She didn’t mean like, ‘we’re breaking the law, but not that bad.’ She just meant like nobody’s perfect. Maybe they double parked where they shouldn’t have, or used a parking pass when they shouldn’t have. But nothing that would rise to the level of a federal indictment.”
However, this is exactly where Adams and his inner circle currently find themselves, following his indictment last week in a federal case over allegations of bribery and illicit campaign contributions from Turkey. Additional investigations are complicating matters further, leading to the resignation of four senior officials.
Now, Lewis-Martin finds herself under scrutiny as well.
As she returned from a poorly timed vacation in Japan, investigators from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office met her at the airport to seize her phones and serve her a subpoena. Concurrently, Bragg’s team was searching her Brooklyn home, removing boxes labeled “documents” and “electronics.”
This placed Lewis-Martin in the spotlight she had sought to avoid. Even before the mayor and his aides came under investigation, she was a controversial figure within and beyond Adams' administration.
Lewis-Martin is a dynamic 63-year-old Black woman from Central Brooklyn, where Adams also began his political career. She’s a deeply religious Christian chaplain who often balances spirituality with straightforward confrontation. Known for her glamorous style — frequently donning designer outfits and statement jewelry — she stands out in the typically conservative attire of City Hall, even organizing a bipartisan fashion show at the mayor’s residence shortly after other aides’ phones were taken.
As someone who has significantly boosted Adams' political influence, she receives calls from supporters in need of assistance from City Hall. Her fiercely protective nature towards the mayor has led to tensions with others vying for influence.
Despite the controversies, Lewis-Martin has been a crucial figure to Adams for nearly two decades. Understanding him means understanding her.
“They are ride or die,” said a source familiar with their working relationship, granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. “It’s not a relationship that’s going to go away.”
Lewis-Martin and Adams' connection began 40 years ago when her husband and Adams were in police academy training. Initially an educator engaged in politics, she aligned with figures like Attorney General Tish James and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during their local campaigns. When Adams sought a state Senate seat, he called upon Lewis-Martin for guidance.
Since then, she has remained his political confidante, focused on safeguarding his interests in City Hall.
“I’m not Michelle Obama. When they go low? We drill for oil. I’ll meet you down in the subbasement,” she stated in a 2022 magazine profile. “I’m just honest.”
Her views sometimes starkly contrast with the mayor’s, such as her open disdain for congestion pricing — “I think it sucks” — compared to his nuanced support for tolls on drivers entering parts of Manhattan. A staunch driver in a city with significant public transit, she has faced backlash from anti-car advocates for her opposition to bike lanes and pedestrianization initiatives.
Lewis-Martin has clashed with lawmakers while advocating for the mayor’s policies both in City Hall and Albany. Her influence was evident in Adams' criticisms of a council law requiring police to report more on low-level stops and in her encouragement of bulldog attorney Randy Mastro to lead the city's Law Department, despite his withdrawal following a poorly received nomination hearing.
"Ingrid is brutally honest and headstrong with her own personal set of facts. Once Ingrid has decided on that altered version of reality, nothing can change her mind,” noted an anonymous council member. “And to Ingrid, the reality is Eric Adams walks on water and can do no wrong.”
Yet council members are aware of her adeptness in navigating the city's complex bureaucracy. Her contributions were significant in transforming New York City's trash collection through a collaborative effort with the powerful building service workers union, helping establish an initiative to combat rats that received broad appreciation.
“She’s unapologetic about who she is. Take it or leave it,” remarked City Council Member Nantasha Williams, highlighting Lewis-Martin’s ability to stand out in a traditional political landscape.
Her polarizing nature has drawn both supporters and detractors. Khari Edwards, a candidate for Brooklyn borough president, characterized her as “definitely one of the most polarizing people in politics. Either you’re in or you’re out.” Many have suggested the mayor seek out a more conventional adviser.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny and calls for a more traditional adviser, Adams has remained heavily dependent on Lewis-Martin. Their bond has seen both tension and fierce loyalty; her absence during discussions could occur if she felt unheard, showcasing an almost familial dynamic in their relationship.
Text messages obtained by the Daily News revealed Adams admitting both he and Lewis-Martin had “anger management issues” and needed to “grow up.” Nonetheless, these messages also underscored her role as a protector of the mayor.
Amid the ongoing turmoil and investigations, their loyalty remains strong. Lewis-Martin accompanied Adams during a recent rally organized by a fraternal group for Black police officers, where she was prominently featured beside the mayor as the crowd prayed for them.
“We are not only here for our mayor, we are also here for Sister Ingrid,” said minister Sharonnie Perry during her introduction of Lewis-Martin.
On Friday, Lewis-Martin indicated she had been considering retirement in January. However, the mounting challenges surrounding the mayor could alter her plans. “With all of this stuff, I don’t see how that’s possible,” she said on Aidala’s show. “Because I’m going to be with my brother. Because I don’t believe that he has done anything.”
The attention Lewis-Martin has garnered from criminal investigators was anticipated by many insiders who expected she would eventually be connected to the ongoing probes. Serving as the mayor’s protector, she finds herself at the epicenter of a scandal involving accusations of Adams granting favors.
She noted that her close relationship with the mayor, coupled with being the godmother of his campaign treasurer, has likely drawn scrutiny. Her treasurer’s home had already been searched as part of the investigations, which, unlike her, has been mentioned in the indictment.
Lewis-Martin opted not to comment further for this article and directed inquiries to Aidala, who reported having no clear information on what either office might be investigating concerning her. He pointed out that federal prosecutors assured him she is not considered a target, though that language can be fluid.
Neither the Manhattan district attorney’s office nor U.S. Attorney Damian Williams’ office provided comments regarding the ongoing investigations.
Prosecutors pursuing the charges against Adams indicated their work continues, hinting at the chance of a superseding indictment and additional defendants being named.
Lewis-Martin's official schedules reveal meetings with Turkish representatives during both her tenure as Brooklyn borough president and City Hall aide. She also shares a close connection with Winnie Greco, a special adviser to Adams, whose home was searched by federal agents earlier this year — though she has not been charged.
In light of the continuing investigations, Adams has maintained a disciplined public persona, often reiterating his focus as the mantra for governing amid the indictments: “Stay focused, no distractions and grind.”
Lewis-Martin offered her perspective on this line in a candid manner during her radio appearance: “We try hard to live up to that. But it’s difficult. You know, we do get distracted. It’s hard sometimes to focus,” she admitted. “But one thing we always do, and will continue to do is to grind.”
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
And, arguably, her guilt.
The peculiar situation involved Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams' chief adviser, whom he refers to as his sister. It demonstrated her bold and unconventional approach.
While she did not deny any potential wrongdoing, she argued that her actions weren't significant. “We are imperfect, but we’re not thieves,” Lewis-Martin stated on air Friday night. “I do believe that in the end that the New York City public will see that we have not done anything illegal to the magnitude or scale that requires the federal government and the DA’s office to investigate us.”
Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, dismissed the seeming admission of guilt — however minor — as merely entertaining radio. “You know, she was brutally honest,” he remarked, noting her history of representing high-profile clients like ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner and ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, both familiar with controversy.
Aidala elaborated in an interview four days after her radio appearance, explaining, “She didn’t mean like, ‘we’re breaking the law, but not that bad.’ She just meant like nobody’s perfect. Maybe they double parked where they shouldn’t have, or used a parking pass when they shouldn’t have. But nothing that would rise to the level of a federal indictment.”
However, this is exactly where Adams and his inner circle currently find themselves, following his indictment last week in a federal case over allegations of bribery and illicit campaign contributions from Turkey. Additional investigations are complicating matters further, leading to the resignation of four senior officials.
Now, Lewis-Martin finds herself under scrutiny as well.
As she returned from a poorly timed vacation in Japan, investigators from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office met her at the airport to seize her phones and serve her a subpoena. Concurrently, Bragg’s team was searching her Brooklyn home, removing boxes labeled “documents” and “electronics.”
This placed Lewis-Martin in the spotlight she had sought to avoid. Even before the mayor and his aides came under investigation, she was a controversial figure within and beyond Adams' administration.
Lewis-Martin is a dynamic 63-year-old Black woman from Central Brooklyn, where Adams also began his political career. She’s a deeply religious Christian chaplain who often balances spirituality with straightforward confrontation. Known for her glamorous style — frequently donning designer outfits and statement jewelry — she stands out in the typically conservative attire of City Hall, even organizing a bipartisan fashion show at the mayor’s residence shortly after other aides’ phones were taken.
As someone who has significantly boosted Adams' political influence, she receives calls from supporters in need of assistance from City Hall. Her fiercely protective nature towards the mayor has led to tensions with others vying for influence.
Despite the controversies, Lewis-Martin has been a crucial figure to Adams for nearly two decades. Understanding him means understanding her.
“They are ride or die,” said a source familiar with their working relationship, granted anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. “It’s not a relationship that’s going to go away.”
Lewis-Martin and Adams' connection began 40 years ago when her husband and Adams were in police academy training. Initially an educator engaged in politics, she aligned with figures like Attorney General Tish James and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during their local campaigns. When Adams sought a state Senate seat, he called upon Lewis-Martin for guidance.
Since then, she has remained his political confidante, focused on safeguarding his interests in City Hall.
“I’m not Michelle Obama. When they go low? We drill for oil. I’ll meet you down in the subbasement,” she stated in a 2022 magazine profile. “I’m just honest.”
Her views sometimes starkly contrast with the mayor’s, such as her open disdain for congestion pricing — “I think it sucks” — compared to his nuanced support for tolls on drivers entering parts of Manhattan. A staunch driver in a city with significant public transit, she has faced backlash from anti-car advocates for her opposition to bike lanes and pedestrianization initiatives.
Lewis-Martin has clashed with lawmakers while advocating for the mayor’s policies both in City Hall and Albany. Her influence was evident in Adams' criticisms of a council law requiring police to report more on low-level stops and in her encouragement of bulldog attorney Randy Mastro to lead the city's Law Department, despite his withdrawal following a poorly received nomination hearing.
"Ingrid is brutally honest and headstrong with her own personal set of facts. Once Ingrid has decided on that altered version of reality, nothing can change her mind,” noted an anonymous council member. “And to Ingrid, the reality is Eric Adams walks on water and can do no wrong.”
Yet council members are aware of her adeptness in navigating the city's complex bureaucracy. Her contributions were significant in transforming New York City's trash collection through a collaborative effort with the powerful building service workers union, helping establish an initiative to combat rats that received broad appreciation.
“She’s unapologetic about who she is. Take it or leave it,” remarked City Council Member Nantasha Williams, highlighting Lewis-Martin’s ability to stand out in a traditional political landscape.
Her polarizing nature has drawn both supporters and detractors. Khari Edwards, a candidate for Brooklyn borough president, characterized her as “definitely one of the most polarizing people in politics. Either you’re in or you’re out.” Many have suggested the mayor seek out a more conventional adviser.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny and calls for a more traditional adviser, Adams has remained heavily dependent on Lewis-Martin. Their bond has seen both tension and fierce loyalty; her absence during discussions could occur if she felt unheard, showcasing an almost familial dynamic in their relationship.
Text messages obtained by the Daily News revealed Adams admitting both he and Lewis-Martin had “anger management issues” and needed to “grow up.” Nonetheless, these messages also underscored her role as a protector of the mayor.
Amid the ongoing turmoil and investigations, their loyalty remains strong. Lewis-Martin accompanied Adams during a recent rally organized by a fraternal group for Black police officers, where she was prominently featured beside the mayor as the crowd prayed for them.
“We are not only here for our mayor, we are also here for Sister Ingrid,” said minister Sharonnie Perry during her introduction of Lewis-Martin.
On Friday, Lewis-Martin indicated she had been considering retirement in January. However, the mounting challenges surrounding the mayor could alter her plans. “With all of this stuff, I don’t see how that’s possible,” she said on Aidala’s show. “Because I’m going to be with my brother. Because I don’t believe that he has done anything.”
The attention Lewis-Martin has garnered from criminal investigators was anticipated by many insiders who expected she would eventually be connected to the ongoing probes. Serving as the mayor’s protector, she finds herself at the epicenter of a scandal involving accusations of Adams granting favors.
She noted that her close relationship with the mayor, coupled with being the godmother of his campaign treasurer, has likely drawn scrutiny. Her treasurer’s home had already been searched as part of the investigations, which, unlike her, has been mentioned in the indictment.
Lewis-Martin opted not to comment further for this article and directed inquiries to Aidala, who reported having no clear information on what either office might be investigating concerning her. He pointed out that federal prosecutors assured him she is not considered a target, though that language can be fluid.
Neither the Manhattan district attorney’s office nor U.S. Attorney Damian Williams’ office provided comments regarding the ongoing investigations.
Prosecutors pursuing the charges against Adams indicated their work continues, hinting at the chance of a superseding indictment and additional defendants being named.
Lewis-Martin's official schedules reveal meetings with Turkish representatives during both her tenure as Brooklyn borough president and City Hall aide. She also shares a close connection with Winnie Greco, a special adviser to Adams, whose home was searched by federal agents earlier this year — though she has not been charged.
In light of the continuing investigations, Adams has maintained a disciplined public persona, often reiterating his focus as the mantra for governing amid the indictments: “Stay focused, no distractions and grind.”
Lewis-Martin offered her perspective on this line in a candid manner during her radio appearance: “We try hard to live up to that. But it’s difficult. You know, we do get distracted. It’s hard sometimes to focus,” she admitted. “But one thing we always do, and will continue to do is to grind.”
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
