Investigation underway for New York City sheriff as federal probes target Adams' inner circle
Anthony Miranda is responsible for managing the city’s enforcement efforts regarding unlicensed cannabis shops.
TroibNews 
NEW YORK — The Department of Investigation in New York City is currently examining the city's Sheriff's Office and its head, Anthony Miranda, as scrutiny surrounding Mayor Eric Adams and his associates intensifies, according to sources familiar with the matter.
While the precise focus of the investigation remains somewhat unclear, it coincides with federal inquiries into Mayor Adams, his 2021 campaign's alleged connections to Turkey, and his close associates. Miranda has maintained a long-standing friendship with Adams that dates back to their time together in the NYPD.
Both the DOI — a city authority with the power to issue subpoenas and tackle municipal corruption — and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York were investigating Miranda as of last year, a Department of Finance employee revealed.
This individual, along with other anonymous sources, provided insights, noting that the investigations pertained to accusations of "public corruption," though specifics were not further detailed. The source also knew of other city employees who had been questioned by federal investigators about Miranda in the previous year.
The Sheriff's responsibilities include overseeing property seizure, enforcing cigarette licensing regulations, and closing down unlicensed cannabis shops. Miranda’s legal issues emerge as Mayor Adams faces a series of troubling developments concerning his closest aides, with federal prosecutors conducting raids and confiscating electronic devices as part of an extensive investigation just nine months before Adams is due for reelection.
Spokespeople from both the Eastern District and the DOI, the latter's commissioner being a mayoral appointee confirmed by legislative authorities, have opted not to comment on these probes.
When contacted, Miranda directed inquiries to the sheriff’s press office, which did not respond to a list of questions. Similarly, a City Hall spokesperson declined to comment on the investigations.
Historically, Miranda's career has been fraught with controversies. Following his appointment by Adams in May 2022, issues from his previous political campaign surfaced, where he had loaned money to his City Council campaign and subsequently reimbursed himself with interest. Through a mayoral spokesperson, Miranda assured compliance with election laws at that time.
In 2023, Miranda supported a former sergeant's bid for a gun permit despite the individual's dismissal for unethical behavior. “I signed off on it,” Miranda conveyed to the Daily News. "Then I move on."
By mid-2024, growing dissatisfaction within his office led the New York City Deputy Sheriff’s Association to demand his resignation, accusing him of creating a hostile work environment. Miranda did not respond to these allegations when contacted.
Ingrid Simonovic, leader of the union, expressed deep concerns at a City Hall hearing about Miranda's management and the operational tactics of his office. “Sheriff Anthony Miranda has spent the past two years establishing a consistent pattern of retaliation against his own workforce — punishing, threatening and disciplining us and those who dare to challenge his occasionally questionable orders and ways of doing things,” Simonovic stated.
At the same hearing, lawyer Nadia Kahnauth reported issues concerning the handling of seized assets by law enforcement, backed by security footage suggesting ambiguity over responsibility for the confiscated cash. "All of the property is being invoiced by the NYPD, except cash. ... There is absolutely no method to locate the money and we are being directed that it is the sheriff who has the money," Kahnauth explained.
A mayor's office spokesperson highlighted the results of “Operation Padlock to Protect,” emphasizing compliance with legal standards in safeguarding public safety by closing down illegal establishments and seizing unlawful products.
Further links between Adams and Miranda were highlighted through mutual endorsements and public appearances, illustrating their longstanding association both within and outside of political contexts.
As federal investigations continue to touch those close to Mayor Adams, the political and personal consequences for those involved, including Miranda, remain uncertain.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
While the precise focus of the investigation remains somewhat unclear, it coincides with federal inquiries into Mayor Adams, his 2021 campaign's alleged connections to Turkey, and his close associates. Miranda has maintained a long-standing friendship with Adams that dates back to their time together in the NYPD.
Both the DOI — a city authority with the power to issue subpoenas and tackle municipal corruption — and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York were investigating Miranda as of last year, a Department of Finance employee revealed.
This individual, along with other anonymous sources, provided insights, noting that the investigations pertained to accusations of "public corruption," though specifics were not further detailed. The source also knew of other city employees who had been questioned by federal investigators about Miranda in the previous year.
The Sheriff's responsibilities include overseeing property seizure, enforcing cigarette licensing regulations, and closing down unlicensed cannabis shops. Miranda’s legal issues emerge as Mayor Adams faces a series of troubling developments concerning his closest aides, with federal prosecutors conducting raids and confiscating electronic devices as part of an extensive investigation just nine months before Adams is due for reelection.
Spokespeople from both the Eastern District and the DOI, the latter's commissioner being a mayoral appointee confirmed by legislative authorities, have opted not to comment on these probes.
When contacted, Miranda directed inquiries to the sheriff’s press office, which did not respond to a list of questions. Similarly, a City Hall spokesperson declined to comment on the investigations.
Historically, Miranda's career has been fraught with controversies. Following his appointment by Adams in May 2022, issues from his previous political campaign surfaced, where he had loaned money to his City Council campaign and subsequently reimbursed himself with interest. Through a mayoral spokesperson, Miranda assured compliance with election laws at that time.
In 2023, Miranda supported a former sergeant's bid for a gun permit despite the individual's dismissal for unethical behavior. “I signed off on it,” Miranda conveyed to the Daily News. "Then I move on."
By mid-2024, growing dissatisfaction within his office led the New York City Deputy Sheriff’s Association to demand his resignation, accusing him of creating a hostile work environment. Miranda did not respond to these allegations when contacted.
Ingrid Simonovic, leader of the union, expressed deep concerns at a City Hall hearing about Miranda's management and the operational tactics of his office. “Sheriff Anthony Miranda has spent the past two years establishing a consistent pattern of retaliation against his own workforce — punishing, threatening and disciplining us and those who dare to challenge his occasionally questionable orders and ways of doing things,” Simonovic stated.
At the same hearing, lawyer Nadia Kahnauth reported issues concerning the handling of seized assets by law enforcement, backed by security footage suggesting ambiguity over responsibility for the confiscated cash. "All of the property is being invoiced by the NYPD, except cash. ... There is absolutely no method to locate the money and we are being directed that it is the sheriff who has the money," Kahnauth explained.
A mayor's office spokesperson highlighted the results of “Operation Padlock to Protect,” emphasizing compliance with legal standards in safeguarding public safety by closing down illegal establishments and seizing unlawful products.
Further links between Adams and Miranda were highlighted through mutual endorsements and public appearances, illustrating their longstanding association both within and outside of political contexts.
As federal investigations continue to touch those close to Mayor Adams, the political and personal consequences for those involved, including Miranda, remain uncertain.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
