The political storm surrounding City Hall deepened last week when Jesse Hamilton, Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), abruptly resigned — just an hour after pleading not guilty to corruption charges in Manhattan Supreme Court.
Prosecutors allege Hamilton was a central figure in a widening DCAS corruption scandal, accused of using his position to steer city real estate deals and push multimillion-dollar contracts in favor of politically connected developers.
What Led to Hamilton’s Downfall?
According to the indictment, Hamilton conspired with Ingrid Lewis-Martin, former chief advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, in a bribery scheme aimed at helping favored business interests secure lucrative deals. The allegations claim Hamilton acted as an inside player, smoothing the way for real estate developers willing to pay to overcome city bureaucracy.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office revealed that the investigation began in September 2024 after law enforcement seized Hamilton’s phone at JFK Airport as he returned from a trip to Japan with Lewis-Martin, a lobbyist, and a real estate broker.
“The Lack of Oversight Speaks Volumes”
City officials are calling this one of the most significant real estate scandals to hit City Hall in recent memory.
Councilmember Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn), who chairs the Council’s governmental operations committee, expressed outrage:
“The lack of oversight and accountability speaks volumes,” Restler said. “Despite years of allegations and investigations into Jesse Hamilton’s conduct, Eric Adams and his team did nothing to place guardrails around him.”
Restler further accused the Adams administration of prioritizing loyalty over qualification:
“Hamilton was never qualified to be deputy commissioner for real estate. He was installed to serve an agenda that was not the City of New York’s agenda,” Restler asserted.
A Deputy Commissioner With Skyrocketing Pay
Despite mounting controversies, Hamilton’s influence — and paycheck — continued to grow. Records show his salary jumped from $164,000 in 2023 to $253,000 last year, a staggering 50% increase, nearly matching the mayor’s earnings.
This rise occurred while Hamilton was allegedly leveraging his role in DCAS to promote properties like the Bronx Logistics Center, which was under consideration for a $700 million city purchase. In an unusual move, Hamilton appeared in a promotional video at the Bronx site wearing a construction vest and hard hat, calling the property “phenomenal” and describing it as “a win-win for everybody involved.”
Japan Trip That Sparked the Scandal
The scandal gained momentum when Hamilton returned from a 14-hour flight from Japan with Lewis-Martin, accused briber Tian Ji Li, lobbyist Adam Clayton Powell IV, and real estate broker Diana Boutross. Upon landing at JFK Airport, investigators seized multiple phones — and prosecutors later revealed Li deleted text messages with Hamilton and Lewis-Martin mid-flight.
Boutross played a key role in advising DCAS on major lease deals. According to agency emails, she and Hamilton exchanged numerous messages regarding city property transactions. Critics argue these close relationships blurred the line between public duty and private gain.
$63 Million Wall Street Lease Under Scrutiny
One of the most controversial transactions tied to Hamilton is the 21-year, $63 million lease for offices at 14 Wall Street, owned by Adams donor Alexander Rovt.
Council records indicate DCAS initially selected 250 Broadway as the new site for the Department of Aging, but Hamilton intervened and redirected negotiations toward 14 Wall Street.
Restler raised alarms about political influence:
“Hamilton unilaterally halted negotiations with 250 Broadway and pushed for 14 Wall Street,” Restler wrote in a letter to city officials.
Adding to concerns, Rovt previously raised $15,000 for Adams’ legal defense fund and donated another $15,000 to a pro-Adams political group. Two CBRE executives involved in the lease also made maximum contributions to Adams’ campaign.
Although DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina later reassigned lease authority and ordered a review, the city ultimately confirmed it is moving forward with the Wall Street deal — even after Hamilton’s resignation.
Mayor Adams Responds, Investigation Continues
Despite the growing scandal, Mayor Eric Adams stood by his longtime ally. Hours after the indictment, Adams publicly stated:
“I wish Jesse Hamilton the best as well.”
The Department of Investigation continues to probe Hamilton’s role in multiple deals, including the Bronx Logistics Center proposal and the Wall Street lease arrangement.
In an internal email, Commissioner Molina tried to calm DCAS employees, writing:
“While the news over the coming days may raise new questions, I ask that you remain focused and forge ahead. 8.5 million New Yorkers are depending on us.”
Political Roots and a Controversial Career
Hamilton’s ties to Adams run deep. The two built their alliance in the Kings County Democratic Committee, where Hamilton helped Adams rise through the ranks. After losing his State Senate seat in 2018 due to backlash over his membership in the Independent Democratic Caucus, Hamilton worked behind the scenes on Adams’ mayoral bid.
Adams later rewarded Hamilton by naming him Deputy Commissioner of Real Estate at DCAS in 2022 — a position Hamilton held until last week’s resignation.
The resignation of Jesse Hamilton marks a dramatic turning point in a DCAS corruption scandal that has shaken the foundations of New York City’s real estate oversight. From Japan trips and seized phones to multi-million-dollar lease deals, the case underscores deep concerns about accountability, political favoritism, and ethical lapses within city government.
While Hamilton faces serious corruption charges in Manhattan Supreme Court, investigations are far from over. The controversies surrounding 14 Wall Street, the Bronx Logistics Center, and Hamilton’s close ties to Mayor Eric Adams raise broader questions about how public trust is maintained when political loyalty intersects with taxpayer money.
As the Department of Investigation and city officials continue probing these dealings, New Yorkers are left to wonder: How deep does this scandal go — and who will be next?
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