NYC public housing residents expect City Hall to prioritize the community’s needs over private gain. This principle is central in a recent federal indictment from the Southern District of New York (SDNY) against Anthony Herbert, the former Citywide Public Housing Liaison, who is charged with bribery, kickbacks, and fraud.
Federal authorities allege Herbert worked in the New York City Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit from around February 2022 through September 2025. He started as Brooklyn Borough Director (Feb 2022–Feb 2023) and then became Citywide Public Housing Liaison, the point person for NYCHA resident relations at City Hall.
Herbert has been taken into custody and will appear before a magistrate judge. The case will move forward before a district judge, according to the DOJ press release.
These remain allegations. The DOJ notes: “The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
Details of the Investigations
According to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, the case highlights a violation of public trust in Herbert’s role supporting public housing residents at City Hall.
“New Yorkers deserve public officials who act with honesty and competence,” stated Clayton. “It is alleged that Herbert, while a housing liaison, ran pay-to-play operations. SDNY is dedicated to holding such officials accountable.”
The IRS Criminal Investigation division says Herbert’s alleged actions effectively turned a public job into his own profit center.
“Herbert used his position with the NYC Mayor’s Office to orchestrate bribery and fraud schemes,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “He allegedly abused his position to personally profit at the expense of the public. The indictment demonstrates strong agency teamwork in pursuing justice.”
The NYC Department of Investigation summarized the indictment as involving specific amounts, City contracts, and public payments, according to their interpretation.
“As a vital liason within the Community Affairs Unit, first as Brooklyn Borough Director then as the public housing representative, this ex-official is accused of abusing his authority,” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber stated. “He allegedly took $16,000 in bribes and kickbacks for favors—such as influencing contract awards and public payments, as accused in the indictment. He is also said to have filed inaccurate financial disclosures to hide the illegal earnings. We commend our partners for their ongoing work to ensure government integrity.”
City Contracts & NYCHA: Alleged Scheme
The charging document outlines one scheme centering on the “Security Company Executive.” Officials claim Herbert was paid thousands in cash to encourage City officials to give security company contracts, including at NYCHA sites.
Kickbacks Linked to Burial Assistance
Prosecutors describe a separate episode involving a “Funeral Home Director.” Herbert is accused of lobbying for and securing financial aid approvals for funeral services, and receiving a portion of those funds as kickbacks.
PPP Loan Fraud Accusation
According to the release, Herbert also submitted a fraudulent loan application in April 2021 for a non-existent baked goods business, securing a $20,418 federal PPP loan tied to COVID-19 relief.
Charges and Next Legal Steps
Herbert, 61, from Brooklyn, faces multiple counts: two bribery charges, honest services wire fraud, federal program fraud, extortion under color of official right, and wire fraud. Maximum penalties are set by statute but the ultimate sentence is up to the judge.
Significance for NYC Public Confidence
These allegations suggest city resources may have been traded for private gain, threatening public faith in government. Residents expect fair processes for contracts and financial support.
Yet, only a conviction in court can determine guilt. As stated in the release: “The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
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