NYC Council member, Hochul aide facing corruption probe linked to migrant shelters
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Federal prosecutors are investigating New York City Councilmember Farah Louis, her sister Debbie Louis (an aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul), and Edu Hermelyn for possible bribery or kickbacks related to city funds awarded to a migrant shelter provider, BHRAGS Home Care Inc.
- The investigation involves contracts totaling over $200 million awarded to BHRAGS by the Department of Homeless Services, after the nonprofit expanded its services to include emergency shelters for migrants amid a surge in asylum seekers.
- Debbie Louis was placed on leave following the probe, while search warrants seek evidence including communications and money transfers involving the individuals and retired NYPD sergeant Edouardo St. Fort, whose security company also received a $3 million contract.
- The investigation is part of broader scrutiny of emergency shelter contracts initiated under former Mayor Eric Adams, who himself faced unrelated federal charges that were later dropped.
- The individuals under investigation are influential figures in Brooklyn's Democratic Party, which has experienced multiple scandals in recent years.
