Federal authorities have issued a subpoena to Molly Schaeffer, the director of New York City’s Office of Asylum Seeker Operations, as part of an ongoing investigation into Timothy Pearson, a senior aide to Mayor Eric Adams. The subpoena was served at Schaeffer’s Brooklyn residence on Friday, according to law enforcement sources.
The investigation into Pearson, a retired NYPD inspector, has been ongoing since early September, when his home was raided and devices were seized by the FBI. Pearson is also facing allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, with four lawsuits pending against him.
Sources close to the matter have raised concerns about Pearson’s involvement in city contracts, particularly those related to security deals for migrant shelters. It is alleged that Pearson may have interfered with the selection of contractors in exchange for kickbacks, according to the New York Post.
Mayor Adams has confirmed that Pearson oversaw certain contracts, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Adams emphasized that Pearson’s involvement in these contracts resulted in significant cost savings for the city.
“We asked him to review the contracts, and he helped us save hundreds of millions of dollars by reducing costs,” Adams said.
Schaeffer, who has been cooperating with federal investigators, refused to comment on the subpoena when reached by phone on Friday. However, Deputy Mayor of Communication Fabien Levy stated that the administration expects all team members to comply with the ongoing inquiry.
“Molly Schaeffer is a valued member of our team and works tirelessly to serve New Yorkers,” Levy added.
The investigation into Pearson’s activities has raised questions about his behavior and judgment, particularly in light of the sexual harassment allegations against him. According to the alleged victims’ attorney, John Scola, Pearson used his position at City Hall to harass women and retaliate against those who refused his advances.
