Ex-Adams Aide Charged in Kickback Scheme from Community Program Funds

Anthony Herbert, a former aide to ex-Mayor Eric Adams, has been charged with taking more than $120,000 in kickbacks from a nonprofit that was supposed to allocate funds for community programs, including initiatives for public housing residents. Herbert is set to appear in federal court to address these new charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, having previously pleaded not guilty to other allegations, including bribery and federal program fraud.

The updated indictment, filed in the Southern District of New York, outlines a series of schemes in which Herbert allegedly enriched himself through bribes, kickbacks, and fraud. His attorney has not yet commented on the latest developments.

Herbert worked in Adams' community affairs unit from 2022 to 2025, first serving as the Brooklyn borough director for community affairs and later as the citywide public housing liaison. Prior to this role, he was a community relations specialist for a power plant in Queens, where the new charges are said to have originated.

The earlier indictment accused Herbert of abusing his position in the mayor’s office by directing city business toward a security company and a funeral home director in exchange for financial compensation. Additionally, he allegedly attempted to obtain approximately $20,000 from the COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program for a fictitious baked goods company.

According to the new indictment, Herbert received over $120,000 in kickbacks from a nonprofit that had been granted funding by the power company. Prosecutors allege that Herbert persuaded the power company to provide the nonprofit with more than $820,000 for various community programs, including health workshops and holiday events at NYCHA complexes. However, it is claimed that more than $100,000 of that funding was diverted to undisclosed payments to Herbert.

Herbert's Assurances and Hidden Agreements

When questioned by a supervisor at the power company about the legitimacy of the nonprofit, Herbert allegedly assured them that it came "highly recommended" and emphasized the importance of their community partnership, without disclosing that the nonprofit's director had agreed to compensate him for his assistance.

Herbert's communications with the nonprofit's director revealed a troubling dynamic, as he insisted that the funding be secured and even suggested splitting the savings from a canceled kids' bus trip to an amusement park. This text exchange highlighted the collusion between Herbert and the nonprofit director, further implicating them in the kickback scheme.

The alleged misconduct continued even after Herbert transitioned to the mayor’s office. In a text message from April 2022, he pressured the power company for additional funding, asserting that he would be an ally in City Hall with the ear of government leadership. In December 2022, he received a $1,000 payment from the nonprofit disguised as a "consultant fee."

What They Hid

Herbert's connection to the nonprofit was further underscored when he ghostwrote a letter for the nonprofit director to send to the power company, expressing concern over a reduction in resources and suggesting that his name and City Hall position be included in the correspondence.

Herbert was ultimately terminated from his position in September 2025 after he made controversial remarks on social media regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination, although he was already on leave at the time. The unfolding legal proceedings against him raise significant questions about the integrity of public office and the potential for corruption in the management of community resources.