Residents of New York City’s public housing deserve leadership at City Hall that genuinely serves the community, not private agendas. That’s at the heart of a new federal indictment brought by the Southern District of New York (SDNY), which accuses Anthony Herbert, the former Citywide Public Housing Liaison at the Mayor’s Office, of engaging in bribery, kickbacks, and fraud.
According to federal prosecutors, Herbert worked with the Office of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (“Community Affairs”) from around February 2022 until approximately September 2025. Initially, he held the position of Brooklyn Borough Director for Community Affairs (Feb 2022–Feb 2023) before moving into the Citywide Public Housing Liaison role, where he was tasked with connecting with NYCHA residents on behalf of City Hall.
Herbert has been arrested and is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge. The matter has been assigned to a district judge, as detailed in the announcement.
It’s important to note that these are allegations. The announcement emphasizes, “The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
What the Authorities Claim
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton portrayed the case as a betrayal of public trust rooted in Herbert’s capacity as the Mayor’s representative to public housing residents.
“New Yorkers deserve honest and capable officials,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As stated, during his time as liaison to public housing, Herbert engaged in pay-to-play activities for personal gain. The SDNY is steadfast in prosecuting public servants who misuse their position.”
IRS Criminal Investigation claimed that Herbert allegedly converted a government post into his own scheme for financial profit.
“Anthony Herbert is accused of using his Mayor’s Office position to run a bribery and fraud racket,” said IRS-CI Special Agent Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “He allegedly exploited his city job for personal gain by giving businesses undue advantages. Today’s indictment reflects strong collaboration between IRS-CI and SDNY.”
New York City’s Department of Investigation outlined the alleged crimes, stating the indictment includes accusations of specific sums and wire fraud relating to city contracts and public money.
“This former official was meant to connect with communities for the Community Affairs Unit and to bridge residents and public housing leadership,” said DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber. “He allegedly misused this trust, taking $16,000 in bribes and kickbacks in return for favors—such as swaying contracts and financial assistance payments, according to the indictment. He reportedly also filed false disclosure forms to hide these payments. We thank the agencies involved for their partnership and dedication to integrity.”
Alleged Pay-to-Play: City Contracts and NYCHA
The press statement notes that one scheme involved a so-called “Security Company Executive.” Herbert allegedly accepted thousands in cash in return for directing City officials toward awarding contracts—including those involving NYCHA developments—to that executive’s security firm.
Alleged Bribes Linked to Funeral Payments
A separate scheme, investigators say, involved a “Funeral Home Director.” Prosecutors claim Herbert influenced officials to release financial assistance for burial services, with some payments funneled back to him as kickbacks from the program proceeds.
Fraudulent PPP Loan Application
Additionally, in April 2021, Herbert is alleged to have filed a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan application for a non-existent baked goods business, obtaining a $20,418 COVID-19 relief loan, the indictment says.
Charges and Legal Process
Herbert, aged 61 and from Brooklyn, is charged with two bribery counts, honest services wire fraud, federal program fraud, extortion under color of official right, and wire fraud. The release notes Congress sets statutory penalties, but sentencing depends on the judge’s decision.
Why This Matters for Trust in NYC Government
Investigators are concerned about whether official authority was used for personal financial benefit. If bribery or kickbacks shape public policy, New Yorkers’ trust in city contracts and assistance programs can be severely undermined.
The legal system, however, demands evidence and proof in a court of law. The announcement reiterates: “The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
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