Feds target Eric Adams ally with subpoena of political fund
- Federal authorities issued a subpoena to Rev. Alfred L. Cockfield's political action committee, Striving for a Better New York.
- The PAC has faced criticism for its management of $1.3 million raised during the 2021 mayoral campaign, with little funding directed to political activities.
- This scrutiny raises concerns over fundraising practices within Eric Adams' administration and could signal a broader investigation.
In early November 2023, federal authorities from the Eastern District of New York served a subpoena to the political action committee known as Striving for a Better New York, which was established by Rev. Alfred L. Cockfield. This PAC is connected to New York City's Mayor Eric Adams and specifically to Cockfield's role as a supporter during Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign. The subpoena requests financial records from the PAC, signaling concerns regarding the management and disbursement of the substantial funds raised by the committee. The PAC reportedly raised $1.3 million but has come under scrutiny for its minimal contributions to political activities, instead allocating significant amounts toward compensation for Cockfield himself. This development comes amidst increased scrutiny of political fundraising in New York and highlights potential issues of transparency within political action committees. The implications of this federal action guide observers toward broader questions about fundraising practices among political allies of the mayor. Furthermore, there are also connections between Cockfield's PAC and Brianna Suggs, Adams' chief fundraiser, who faced a federal raid on her residence in November 2023. While sources indicate that the precise focus of the inquiry remains unclear, the combined scrutiny of both Cockfield and Suggs points towards a possible investigation into the conduct surrounding fundraising efforts tied to the Adams administration. Efforts to reach Cockfield for comment regarding the subpoena have been unsuccessful, as have attempts to contact Suggs' legal counsel. The spokesperson representing the Eastern District of New York has refrained from offering any comments regarding the ongoing investigation or its findings.