Full Breakdown
Federal Charges Against Former Eric Adams Aide Tony Herbert for Bribery and Fraud
1/13/2026, 9:54:27 PM
Overview of the Allegations
Tony Herbert, a former official in the administration of ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been charged with multiple counts of bribery and fraud. Federal prosecutors allege that Herbert engaged in two distinct pay-to-play schemes during his tenure from 2022 to 2025, exploiting his position to solicit bribes from a security company and a funeral home director in exchange for political favors.
Details of the Bribery Schemes
The first scheme involves Herbert allegedly soliciting $11,000 from a security company executive. In return, he pressured city officials to award contracts for security services at public housing projects managed by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). The indictment claims Herbert ghostwrote communications to facilitate these contracts and communicated directly with Mayor Adams about the need for increased security, stating, “seniors are up in arms, if you can replace security, you will be back at batting 90% with them.”
In the second scheme, Herbert is accused of accepting $5,000 in kickbacks from a funeral home director. This arrangement involved Herbert advising city officials to approve financial assistance for burial services aimed at low-income families. Court documents reveal that Herbert sought to expedite reimbursements by requesting the names of deceased individuals from the funeral home director, indicating a direct link between his actions and the financial benefits he received.
Additional Charges and Context
Herbert faces further allegations related to fraudulently obtaining a $20,000 loan through the COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). He purportedly fabricated a business related to baked goods to secure this funding. The indictment highlights that Herbert attempted to conceal his corrupt activities by filing false financial disclosures that omitted the bribes he received.
The investigation into Herbert was part of a broader probe into corruption within Adams' administration, which had previously faced scrutiny but resulted in dropped charges against Adams himself.
Official Statements
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the importance of integrity in public office, stating, “New Yorkers deserve honest and competent public officials.” He noted that Herbert's actions represented a blatant abuse of trust. Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the Department of Investigation, remarked on Herbert's exploitation of his position, stating, “He allegedly exploited this position of trust and influence to enrich himself.”
Criticism and Opposition
While the charges against Herbert are serious, there has been no immediate response from Eric Adams regarding the implications of these allegations on his administration. Critics may argue that these incidents reflect a broader culture of corruption that could undermine public trust in city governance.
What's Next
Herbert is expected to appear before a judge as the case progresses. The charges he faces carry significant penalties, with the most serious offenses potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is what we do, bro. This is what we do,” — Tony Herbert, former official in the Office of the Mayor
- “He allegedly took advantage of his role to line his pockets by offering unfair advantages to certain businesses,” — Harry T. Chavis Jr., IRS Special Agent in Charge
