In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through New York City’s political sphere, Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to ex-Mayor Eric Adams, has been charged with accepting more than $100,000 in bribes. The charges are part of a federal indictment unsealed on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 which also names three other individuals in connection with the alleged bribery scheme.
The indictment alleges that Carone leveraged his influential position to steer a lucrative migrant shelter contract to a hotel in Queens. This contract was awarded amidst a surge of migrants overwhelming the city’s homeless shelters. The case is the latest in a series of corruption allegations that have plagued the former mayor’s administration and inner circle.
Key Figures and Allegations
The federal indictment, returned on June 12, 2026 accuses Carone of multiple acts of bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. Joining him in the charges are his brother, Anthony Carone, the owner of the Queens hotel, Yan Po Zhu, and Crystal Chen, an employee of the hotel. All four defendants are expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn.
Prosecutors allege that Carone accepted a series of bribes from Zhu and Chen to secure the multimillion-dollar shelter contract for their hotel. The hotel, initially rejected by the city’s Social Services Department due to its smaller size and capacity, was ultimately awarded the contract. According to the indictment, Carone received around $120,000 from Zhu and Chen, with the money passed through a law firm owned by his brother, Anthony Carone.
The Role of Text Messages
The indictment highlights several incriminating text messages exchanged between the defendants. In one exchange from, Zhu reportedly wrote, “Thank you my big guy,” to Carone. Prosecutors also allege that Carone deleted a text message from Zhu that read, “I asked my partners to pay you for a year,” after learning he was under investigation.
Legal Responses and Public Reactions
Frank Carone’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the indictment “not worth the paper upon which it is printed.” Aidala criticized the government’s approach, stating, “Today’s indictment is a sad day for our criminal justice system. It epitomizes the government first finding a target and then spending three years and enormous taxpayer resources to find a crime.”
A lawyer for Zhu, Stephen Scaring, announced that his client will enter a plea of not guilty and is eager to establish his innocence. Chen’s lawyer declined to comment, and messages were left for Anthony Carone’s lawyer.
Broader Implications
The indictment against Carone is part of a broader pattern of corruption allegations that have rocked the former Adams administration. In 2026, Adams himself was indicted on bribery charges for allegedly accepting illegal campaign contributions. Although the case was later dismissed by the Justice Department, it added to the growing scrutiny of the former mayor’s administration.
Separately, on the same day as Carone’s arrest, federal agents executed search warrants at the homes of current and former New York police Department leaders. These searches are part of a separate bribery investigation involving high-ranking police officials under Adams. The searches were not related to Carone’s arrest, and there is no public indication of any arrests as part of those searches.
The Carone Connection to Sabrina Carpenter Church Controversy
Frank Carone, a longtime Brooklyn power broker, is perhaps best known for his role in an episode that led to a Brooklyn pastor being stripped of his duties. The controversy arose when pop star Sabrina Carpenter filmed scenes for a provocative music video at a Roman Catholic church. The church was later subpoenaed by federal investigators seeking information about business dealings between Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who approved the video, and Carone.
Carone’s influence in New York City politics is undeniable. He played a key role in Adams’ campaign for mayor in 2026 and served as Adams’ chief of staff in 2026. In 2026, he formed a political consulting firm and was a one-time lawyer for the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Frank Carone and his associates serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing New York City’s political landscape. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the city’s governance and public trust in its leaders.
