A former New York City official was charged on Tuesday with witness tampering and destroying evidence in a federal investigation linked to Mayor Eric Adams’ bribery case, as reported by Huff Post. This arrest happened as more notable figures left Adams’ administration. 

Federal prosecutors say that Mohamed Bahi, who stepped down as a community affairs liaison on Monday, told a businessman and campaign donors to lie to the FBI back in June. They also claim he deleted the encrypted messaging app Signal from his phone just as FBI agents were about to search his home in July. Prosecutors noted that Bahi had used this app to communicate with Adams.

In a statement following Bahi’s arrest, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said,

“The charges unsealed today should leave no doubt about the seriousness of any effort to interfere with a federal investigation, particularly when undertaken by a government employee.”

“Our commitment to uncovering the truth and following the facts wherever they may lead is unwavering,”

Williams added.

Bahi, 40, from Staten Island, is the first person charged in the investigation besides Mayor Adams. Over six of the mayor’s top aides have resigned due to recent searches and subpoenas. Bahi was arrested on Tuesday and will appear in federal court in Manhattan. The first to resign was Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright on Monday, following her husband, the schools chancellor, and her brother-in-law, the deputy mayor for public safety. 

The police commissioner and a senior advisor also stepped down from their position. All five deny any wrongdoing. Mayor Adams plans to stay in office after pleading not guilty on September 27 to charges of accepting about $100,000 in free or discounted travel, hotel stays, meals, and seeking illegal donations from foreign sources. He is also charged with accepting illegal donations from Turkish nationals and hiding the money by routing them through U.S. citizens.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?