Long-Time Adams Advisor Found to Have Abused His Authority And Started a Fight in NYC Migrant Shelter: Investigation

Timothy Pearson, a longtime ally and senior advisor of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was found to have abused his authority and committed misconduct when he physically attacked two security guards at a migrant shelter and tried to have them ignore protocol, a new investigation found.

The claims come from a recently-released report by the Department of Investigation. It details that Pearson "acted unprofessionally" when he tried to enter the Touro College shelter without showing an ID in October 2023. The report also said he told responding officers to radio a request for backup units, letting them think he was still with the NYPD, and abused his authority when he threatened to fire shelter staff members during the altercation.

"[Pearson] became verbally abusive and physically aggressive when asked to provide his identification at the entrance to the Touro shelter, and used physical force against staff who tried to prevent him from entering without it," DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said in a statement accompanying the report. "His conduct, as evidenced by witness statements and Body Worn Camera footage that DOI reviewed, fell far below our most basic expectations for public servants."

Moreover, the Department concluded that both Pearson and his driver lied about the incident, saying the advisor had been assaulted, which prompted the responding NYPD officers to wrongfully arrest two security guards on site.

Pearson "unjustifiably refused to show identification to security staff at the facility's entrance and then became physically aggressive with two security staff members after they attempted to prevent him from entering the building because he refused to show identification as required," reads a passage of the report.

The agency, whose commissioner is appointed by the mayor, operates as the city's inspector general with independent oversight over government. The department also often partners with state and federal law enforcement offices on public corruption probes, Politico reports.

A spokesperson for the mayor's office noted to Gothamist Thursday that Pearson is no longer a member of the administration, and said it's reviewing the report.

Adams, also engulfed in controversies of his own, and Pearson's relationship dates back to their days as NYPD officers. They have maintained a close relationship since. Pearson joined the Adams administration in May 2022 and was tasked with managing security in the city's rapidly expanding migrant shelter operation. He has also been the subject of multiple lawsuits related to sexual harassment allegations during his time at the NYPD.

The investigation's conclusion is the latest scandal that has ravaged the Adams administration. Most notably, Gov. Kathy Hochul weighed this week whether to use her constitutional powers to remove Adams from office. The controversial mayor has been accused of agreeing to a quid-pro-quo with the Trump administration in order to get his corruption charges dropped.

Ultimately, Hochul decided to not remove Adams from his post, but she noted she would seek to impose strict new guardrails on his administration. The removal power has never been exercised in New York City's 235-year history. She made it clear she had grave concerns about the precedent that could be set if she decided to force him out.

"My strong belief is that the will of the voters and the supremacy and sanctity of democratic elections preclude me from any action at this time," Hochul said.