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Controversial adviser for Mayor Adams becomes latest exit amid federal corruption case
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Sep 30, 2024
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By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Sep 30, 2024
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Timothy Pearson, one of Mayor Eric Adams’ closest advisers who was at the center of several controversies, will step down from the administration, his lawyer, Hugh Mo said.
Pearson’s lawyer told Gothamist that he submitted his resignation letter to City Hall on Monday night, with the resignation set to take effect on Oct. 4. Pearson, a retired NYPD inspector, has been one of the mayor’s most trusted confidants, whose friendship with Adams dates back to their NYPD days.
His departure comes after several other City Hall officials resigned amid a federal corruption investigation into Adams, who was indicted last week on charges of bribery and fraud. The mayor pleaded not guilty to accusations that he traded political favors for illegal campaign cash and more than $100,000 in lavish travel gifts during his initial appearance in federal court on Friday afternoon.
News of Pearson’s departure was first reported by the New York Times.
During his time at City Hall, Pearson faced multiple scandals that include four separate lawsuits related to a sexual harassment allegation by a retired NYPD sergeant and an internal city investigation into a violent altercation witnesses said he had with security staff at a migrant shelter.
“Tim has had a long career in both the public and private sectors, where he has spent over 30 years keeping New Yorkers safe,” Adams said in a statement. “We appreciate Tim’s decades of service to this city and wish him well.”
In recent weeks, Adams faced intensifying questions from reporters over why Pearson was allowed to remain on the job despite his checkered history.
In September, he was among the top officials to have his home searched and phones seized, according to his lawyer.
Pearson had been working out of the city’s Economic Development Corporation. However, his portfolio appeared to be unrelated to the agency’s mission. He also managed security at migrant shelters as well as a special NYPD unit that assesses the performance of city agencies while earning an annual salary of more than $240,000.
Adams has repeatedly defended Pearson and credited him for bringing down the costs at migrant shelters during the unprecedented crisis that has been a significant challenge throughout the mayor’s first term.
“People have a tendency to, when accusations are made, to say, you know what, the pressure's hot, you need to just get rid of a person,” Adams told reporters in July. “I just don't operate that way. I believe in a city of due process, and let the process take its course.”
In 2022, the New York Times reported he was also working at the Resorts World New York City casino while employed by the city. This allowed him to earn two salaries along with his police pension. Pearson left Resorts World several days after the news broke.
Tagged
new york city
Adams investigations
Politics
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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