A top aide to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been accused of orchestrating a years-long scheme involving brazen bribes and kickbacks. According to a federal indictment unsealed Tuesday, Tony Herbert, 61, allegedly pocketed thousands of dollars in exchange for using his position to secure lucrative deals for select businesses.
Prosecutors claim Herbert accepted $16,000 from a security company and a funeral home director whom he helped secure business with the city. His actions were seen as a clear abuse of power, with the aide exploiting his role to line his pockets.
In addition to these brazen bribes, prosecutors also accused Herbert of attempting to scam COVID-era relief funds by setting up a fake baked goods company and applying for a $20,000 loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. This brazen scheme was allegedly designed to exploit Herbert's position in the mayor's office.
The IRS' criminal investigation division is taking a hard look at Herbert's actions, with special agent Harry T. Chavis Jr. labeling him as someone who "used his job to create a side hustle of bribery and fraud." Herbert faces serious charges, including bribery, wire fraud, extortion, and federal program fraud – the most serious crimes carrying up to 20 years in prison.
As the investigation continues, Herbert has yet to comment on the allegations against him. This case is far from closed, with further developments expected as more information comes to light.
Prosecutors claim Herbert accepted $16,000 from a security company and a funeral home director whom he helped secure business with the city. His actions were seen as a clear abuse of power, with the aide exploiting his role to line his pockets.
In addition to these brazen bribes, prosecutors also accused Herbert of attempting to scam COVID-era relief funds by setting up a fake baked goods company and applying for a $20,000 loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. This brazen scheme was allegedly designed to exploit Herbert's position in the mayor's office.
The IRS' criminal investigation division is taking a hard look at Herbert's actions, with special agent Harry T. Chavis Jr. labeling him as someone who "used his job to create a side hustle of bribery and fraud." Herbert faces serious charges, including bribery, wire fraud, extortion, and federal program fraud – the most serious crimes carrying up to 20 years in prison.
As the investigation continues, Herbert has yet to comment on the allegations against him. This case is far from closed, with further developments expected as more information comes to light.
Can you believe this?! I mean, Tony Herbert's gotta be the most basic corrupt aide ever 
. Like, $16k for a security company? And trying to scam COVID relief funds by setting up a fake baked goods company? That's just crazy talk! 
I'm all about holding people in power accountable, but this is on another level.
. The IRS should give him a participation trophy or something... like, "Congratulations, you managed to get caught after years of shady dealings!" 
Not exactly a badge of honor, Tony 
.
.
I mean what's the deal with bribes and kickbacks? Can't they just do the right thing for once? And a fake baked goods company? That's some next level stuff 
. The worst part is he's got a lawyer, of course. Can't make this up anymore.
. It's just another example of how people will do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it means crossing some serious lines. I mean, who needs integrity when you can just take a few thousand bucks and use your influence for personal gain? 
. I mean, a guy who's supposed to be helping his city get things done ends up using his power for personal gain? It's just so not right. I'm not surprised that some people might take advantage of the system like this - corruption's been around for ages, sadly.
. Up to 20 years in prison isn't too shabby either 
. Fingers crossed he gets the justice he deserves and we can all breathe a little easier knowing that someone like this won't be able to get away with it.