Tim Pearson, aide to Mayor Eric Adams, resigns
NEW YORK - Tim Pearson, a top advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned.
City Hall confirmed Pearson’s resignation, making him the latest member of Adams' inner circle to step down. Earlier this month, federal authorities seized Pearson’s electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe, and he has been accused of sexually harassing female colleagues.
"As I look ahead to the next chapter of my life, I've decided to focus on family, self-care, and new endeavors," Perason said in a letter to Mayor Adams. "I have decided to resign, effective Friday, October 4, 2024."
"Tim has had a long career in both the public and private sectors, where he has spent over 30 years keeping New Yorkers safe. We appreciate Tim’s decades of service to this city and wish him well," said Fabien Levy, the Deputy Mayor for Communications.
Adams had initially defended Pearson, but his resignation comes as the mayor faces mounting legal challenges.
Pearson's resignation coincides with Adams' legal team filing a motion to dismiss a federal bribery charge against the mayor. Adams is accused of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials, charges he has denied.
Adams' attorney: Travel benefits not bribery
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a legal attack on the federal corruption case against him. His attorney asked a judge Monday to toss out bribery charges and then held a combative news conference accusing prosecutors of ethical lapses. The Democratic mayor has pleaded not guilty to accepting lavish travel benefits and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals in exchange for favors like pushing through the opening of a consulate building.
"I've done nothing wrong. Time will prove that," Adams told parishioners at Aliento de Vida Spanish Church in Corona, Queens on Monday night. "People will look back on this moment and say, we're glad we gave this mayor the opportunity to do the work he's doing."
The resignation is the latest in a string of scandals and resignations that have hit the Adams administration, including NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban stepping down from his post on September 12, the Mayor's Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg stepping down on September 15, Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan saying he would resign at the end of the year last week, and New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks saying he would step down at the end of the calendar year.