Story perspectives

Frank Carone Charged with $120K Queens Hotel Bribes

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Frank Carone, of former Mayor Eric Adams, allegedly steered $7 million in shelter funds to a Queens hotel for $120,000 in bribes.
He, brother Anthony and associates were indicted on 13 counts, with prosecutors saying the bribes were paid through an account as a $10,000-per-month retainer.
Carone’s attorneys called the indictment weak and circumstantial, while a spokesperson for former Mayor Eric Adams praised his record and offered prayers for his family.

History

Historical Context

The FBI launched Abscam in March 1978, using a fake Arab company to videotape officials taking cash. The sting resulted in convictions of seven members of Congress and several local officials by 1981, prompting new undercover-operation guidelines. The 2024 Carone indictment echoes that legacy of federal and municipal corruption prosecutions.

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Story summary

Frank Carone, of former Mayor Eric Adams, allegedly steered $7 million in shelter funds to a Queens hotel for $120,000 in bribes.
He, brother Anthony and associates were indicted on 13 counts, with prosecutors saying the bribes were paid through an account as a $10,000-per-month retainer.
Carone’s attorneys called the indictment weak and circumstantial, while a spokesperson for former Mayor Eric Adams praised his record and offered prayers for his family.

1 / 2