Former New York City Buildings Official to Turn Himself In on Indictment Linked to Eric Adams’ Campaign Donors, Reports
According to recent reports, a former New York City Buildings official is set to turn himself in to face criminal charges linked to campaign donations from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ donors.
Kashka Mason, who served as deputy commissioner of the DOB’s current boroughs unit until March 2019, has been under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office since late last winter. Mason is accused of bribery and money laundering, and is alleged to have made $25,000 in illegal payments to Adams’ campaign donors while working in his office.
The current investigation is connected to a civil case that dates back to 2019, when Adams’ donors sued the Buildings Department over development projects. The donors alleged that the Buildings Department was issuing fake permits and allowing development to take place without proper consent.
Mason is alleged to have received campaign contributions from the donors as part of an agreement to expedite the development projects. The criminal case was opened shortly after the civil case was filed and Mason was placed on paid leave from his city job.
The criminal case against Mason is expected to be resolved in the coming weeks. Reports suggest that Mason has been negotiating with prosecutors in order to avoid prison time, but that no agreement has been reached as of yet.
Mason’s case is only the latest in a string of scandals that have rocked Adams’ office. In recent months, Adams has been accused of pressuring donors for contributions, manipulating grant funding, and providing favors to real estate developers.
Adams has denied all allegations and has pledged to cooperate with any investigations. However, with the ongoing investigation surrounding Mason, Adams could face more serious legal ramifications if Mason is found guilty.
Regardless of the outcome, Mason’s case is likely to have an impact on the upcoming Brooklyn Borough President’s race, as Adams will be running for re-election come November. His opponent, City Council Member Justin Brannan, has already seized on the matter in an attempt to paint Adams as corrupt and out of touch with the needs of Brooklynites.
It remains to be seen what the final outcome of Mason’s case will be. However, it is a serious reminder that political fundraising can often lead to serious trouble, regardless of the political party.