Tim Pearson, a close advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned amid mounting pressure from a federal corruption investigation that has cast a shadow over City Hall. Pearson, whose resignation takes effect on Friday, was among several high-ranking Adams administration officials whose devices were seized during federal raids on September 4.
His decision to step down comes a week after Adams was indicted on five criminal charges as part of the same probe.
“Tim has had a long career in both the public and private sectors, where he has spent over 30 years keeping New Yorkers safe,” Adams said in a statement. “We appreciate Tim’s decades of service to this city and wish him well.”
Sources revealed that Pearson had agreed to resign two weeks ago but delayed his decision until Monday. The retired NYPD inspector’s time in the Adams administration has been fraught with controversy, particularly surrounding his oversight of security contracts for migrant shelters.
Federal investigators are reportedly scrutinizing Pearson for allegedly influencing contractor selections in exchange for kickbacks. They have also questioned police officers in Pearson’s unit, the Municipal Services Assessment, regarding city contracting practices.