Another Adams Aide Steps Down in Investigation Exodus

Tim Pearson, a senior aide to Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned amid serious allegations of corruption and sexual harassment.

At a Glance

Tim Pearson resigned amid an ongoing federal corruption probe involving City Hall.
Federal agents raided Pearson’s office on September 4, seizing devices.
Pearson faced multiple allegations, including taking kickbacks for contracts.
Mayor Adams cited Pearson’s cost-saving measures in his defense, but the public pressure led to his resignation.

Federal Raids and Corruption Allegations

Federal agents raided the offices of senior aide Tim Pearson and other top officials on September 4. The raids aimed to uncover alleged kickbacks Pearson accepted in exchange for awarding contracts to specific contractors for migrant shelters. Devices belonging to Pearson and other officials were seized, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing investigation targeting corruption within the Adams administration.

Amid these mounting pressures, Pearson’s resignation became effective on Friday, October 4. He has a long-standing career in both the public and private sectors, exceeding 30 years of dedicated service. Yet, this legacy seems overshadowed by recent controversies linked to his tenure under Mayor Adams.

Sexual Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct

Besides corruption allegations, Pearson faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment. Reports of his misconduct at city shelters further intensified scrutiny. These claims did significant damage to Pearson’s reputation and put additional pressure on City Hall. With federal probes continually expanding, Pearson’s departure signaled a necessary step for the embattled administration.

“None of these allegations are supported by facts,” said Pearson’s attorney, Hugh Mo. “We are confident at the end of the day there are no merits to these allegations. Mr. Pearson denies all allegations of misconduct.”

Mayor Adams defended Pearson by emphasizing his role in saving the city significant amounts of money on various contracts. “We asked him to go in and look in, and we saved hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the costs, everything from security contracts to other contracts,” Adams once said of Pearson’s efforts.

Investigations Impact City Hall

The resignation of high-profile officials including Pearson is part of a larger trend sweeping through City Hall. Federal authorities have ongoing investigations into several top officials closely associated with Mayor Adams. These probes have already precipitated the resignations of the city’s police commissioner and schools chancellor, further escalating calls for Mayor Adams to reconsider his position.

“Tim has had a long career in both the public and private sectors, where he has spent over 30 years keeping New Yorkers safe. We appreciate Tim’s decades of service to this city and wish him well,” Adams said.

Pearson’s resignation underscores an increasingly turbulent time for the Adams administration. With each investigative revelation, the scrutiny and public discontent grow palpably stronger, demanding transparent and swift action from those in power.

Guy who’s facing 4 sexual harassment lawsuits and who attacked security at a migrant shelter after trying to improperly gain entry is stepping down, to delusional farewell by Eric Adams. https://t.co/dJokTC1dkV

— Talia Jane ❤️‍🔥 (@taliaotg) October 1, 2024