In the United States, federal prosecutors have charged Tony Herbert, a former aide in Eric Adams’ administration, with multiple federal crimes, including bribery and wire fraud. Herbert was arrested on January 14, 2026, after being accused of involvement in pay-to-play schemes that occurred during his tenure from 2022 to 2025. The indictments detail how he allegedly solicited bribes from a security company and a funeral home while serving as a liaison to the public housing community in New York City. The first scheme involved Herbert accepting a cash payment of $11,000 from a security company executive in exchange for pressuring other city officials to approve lucrative contracts with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). The security contracts were for providing necessary services at public housing projects, and the indictment outlines Herbert's direct engagement in these illegal activities, including his casual remarks about how such operations were commonplace. This activity highlights a significant breach of trust on Herbert's part, as he was charged with representing and serving the interests of public housing residents. In a second scheme, Herbert allegedly accepted $5,000 in kickbacks from a funeral home director. In exchange for this money, he was accused of improperly approving payments for a financial assistance program intended to help low-income families with burial costs. The indictment suggests that Herbert's actions were not only illegal but were aimed at enriching himself through his influential position in the mayor's office. These allegations follow a series of corruption scandals surrounding the Eric Adams administration. Adams himself has faced scrutiny and criminal charges, and multiple former aides have been indicted or convicted related to similar corruption schemes. With Herbert's arraignment scheduled for January 30, 2026, his case adds to the growing list of legal issues facing former officials in this administration, which has raised questions about accountability and integrity within New York City's leadership.