NEW YORK — Tony Herbert, 61, a former aide in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, was arrested Tuesday morning for allegedly accepting $16,000 in bribes and kickbacks while serving as New York City-wide public housing liaison.
Herbert appeared in court Tuesday afternoon facing allegations he abused his authority as a public official. The 25-page indictment outlines two schemes allegedly carried out between 2022 and 2025.
Prosecutors say Herbert pressured officials to award city contracts to a specific security company, including services at NYCHA developments. He is also accused of directing publicly funded burial assistance payments for low-income families to a particular funeral home.
The indictment further claims Herbert filed false financial disclosure forms to conceal the payments and submitted a fraudulent loan application for a fake baked goods company to obtain a $20,000 COVID-era PPP loan.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said, “As alleged, Herbert engaged in blatant pay-to-play schemes to enrich himself while serving City Hall.”
Herbert told CBS News New York, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” and his attorney confirmed he entered a not guilty plea. Herbert is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 30.
Herbert was previously fired by City Hall in September 2025 following controversial online posts related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
