Eric Adams' former chief of staff arrested in alleged bribery, fraud probe

Frank Carone - a close political ally to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams - was arrested Wednesday morning in connection to federal corruption charges that allege he exploited funds from the city's migrant crisis.

Carone and three others - Anthony Carone, his brother; Crystal Chen, a hotel manager; and Yan Po Zhu, a hotel owner - were indicted after prosecutors say they "devised and executed a scheme to exploit the City's migrant crisis for profit," according to the indictment. It alleges Frank Carone "agreed to accept a series of bribe payments from" Zhu and Chen through his brother in exchange for a contract.

In total, Zhu and Chen paid approximately $120,000 to Frank Carone for a "multimillion-dollar Emergency Shelter Contract," the indictment claims.

Carone, a lawyer, served as Adams' chief of staff during his first year as mayor. The New York Times reported earlier this year that he was under federal investigation.

The indictment, totaling 13 charges, includes counts for wire fraud, money laundering, bribery and more. The defendants were expected to be in a federal Brooklyn court for arraignment Wednesday.

Noted criminal attorney Arthur Aidala, who says he's representing Carone in coordination with Russell Capone, told USA TODAY: "Frank Carone was part of an administration that publicly challenged what it viewed as the previous White House’s dangerous immigration policies and their harmful impact on New York City. Three years ago, after speaking out on these issues, Mr. Carone was notified that he was under investigation by federal authorities.

"Following an extensive three year investigation that examined numerous aspects of Mr. Carone’s personal and professional life, prosecutors ultimately brought these charges. Mr. Carone maintains his innocence and looks forward to addressing these allegations through the legal process."

Capone did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY Network.

"Frank Carone has dedicated decades of his life to public service, the legal profession, and helping countless individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations throughout New York," Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams, said in a statement.

"This is an ongoing legal matter and my prayers are with his family.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.