NYC Corruption Probe Deepens: Ex-Mayor Adams Aide's Legal Defense Hits Roadblock
A federal judge expressed skepticism about a defense request for more information in a public corruption case involving former NYC official Frank Carone. Carone is accused of steering city migrant shelter contracts for kickbacks, with the judge asserting the existing indictment provides ample detail. Separately, a motion was filed to suppress statements made by defendant Yan Po Zhu during a search.
A federal judge in Brooklyn on Friday expressed skepticism regarding a request for additional information concerning an alleged public corruption scheme. The case involves Frank Carone, a former high-ranking New York City official and former chief of staff for Mayor Eric Adams, alongside other Long Island defendants.
Carone stands accused of orchestrating a scheme to direct city contracts for migrant shelters, valued at more than $6.8 million, to Yan Po Zhu, the owner of a Long Island City hotel called Microtel. In exchange for these lucrative contracts, Carone allegedly received $120,000 in kickbacks. Zhu, Carone’s brother Anthony Carone, and hotel employee Crystal Chen have also been indicted for their alleged involvement in the corruption scheme. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defense attorneys, including Carone’s lawyer Andrew Goldstein, filed an Aug. 25 motion requesting a bill of particulars. This document, which provides detailed information about allegations, was sought because the defense claims the indictment fails to specify when and where the alleged deal for bribes in exchange for city contracts was reached. Furthermore, they argue it does not detail the official acts Carone is alleged to have performed as part of the agreement. Goldstein emphasized the necessity of this information for preparing appropriate defense strategies, stating it is “basic information in any public corruption case.”
However, U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto appeared unconvinced by the defense’s arguments during Friday’s oral arguments. Judge Matsumoto informed Goldstein that she believes the 29-page, 13-count indictment already provides “more than abundant information” for the defendants to prepare their defense. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Winik concurred with Judge Matsumoto, asserting that the defense lawyers possess adequate information to mount a robust defense. Winik explicitly stated, “The indictment clearly alleges that Frank Carone would take bribes from Zhu.” Judge Matsumoto did not issue an immediate ruling on the defense’s motion for a bill of particulars.
Frank Carone, 57, a prominent New York City lawyer and long-time political kingmaker, was arrested on June 24. He faces charges including bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. His brother, Anthony Carone, also an attorney, and Crystal Chen have similarly pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to their alleged participation in the scheme. Defense attorneys have indicated their intention to file motions to dismiss the charges against the defendants by Dec. 10.
In a separate development on Friday, attorneys for Yan Po Zhu filed a motion seeking to suppress comments their client made to federal law enforcement. These comments were made during the execution of a search warrant at Zhu’s Long Island home in March 2025. The motion alleges that Zhu was not read his Miranda rights during the search and was manipulated into answering questions from federal officials despite requesting an attorney.