Federal authorities executed a search warrant at the home of a former New York City sheriff, according to two individuals familiar with the matter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is reportedly leading the investigation, though its specific focus was not immediately clear. The former sheriff was reportedly in Puerto Rico at the time of the raid.
A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the administration is "aware of the federal investigation into the former sheriff." The spokesperson added, "This administration is committed to transparency and accountability. We will await any findings and conclusions as the legal process runs its course."
During his tenure as sheriff, the individual came under scrutiny from the city’s Department of Investigation in 2024. This scrutiny stemmed from allegations that sheriff’s deputies under his command had improperly seized cash from unlicensed cannabis stores during raids conducted as part of the Adams administration’s “Padlock to Protect” crackdown. In September 2024, officials discovered $100,000 in cash inside safes at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters in Queens. This discovery was notable because the former sheriff had previously testified before the City Council that his deputies were not seizing cash during such raids.