Prosecutors Add Diamond Earrings to Bribery Case Against Ex-Adams Aide, Cite Safety Warnings in Fast-Tracked Permits

Overview

• New court papers say Ingrid Lewis-Martin received 2-carat diamond earrings worth about $3,000 from developers Raizada “Pinky” Vaid and Mayank Dwivedi in 2022.
• Prosecutors allege she pushed acting Buildings Department chief Kazimir Vilenchik to expedite approvals for the Glass Ceiling rooftop bar and the Hotel Rivington despite occupancy and egress issues flagged by inspectors.
• Internal emails show DOB approved amended hotel plans in March 2023 after requests for occupancy-load and means-of-egress information went unanswered.
• The filings build on earlier charges alleging $100,000 was steered to a joint account used by her son to buy a Porsche, along with alleged favors tied to a TV speaking role and efforts to stop a McGuinness Boulevard bike lane for Broadway Stages.
• Lewis-Martin and all co-defendants have pleaded not guilty, and prosecutors cite wiretaps, texts and financial records as the court weighs defense motions to dismiss.