The subpoena is the latest sign that one of the FBI's inquiries is advancing since federal agents last month seized the phones of David (pictured here) and Terence Banks. Francis Chung/POLITICO
NEW YORK — Federal investigators recently served New York City’s education department with a subpoena as part of their probe into outgoing schools Chancellor David Banks and his family, POLITICO has learned.
Authorities are seeking contracts between the Department of Education and companies that have ties to the Banks family, as well as related records, according to two people who were granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.
Much of that information sought by investigators falls under the office of Emma Vadehra, deputy chancellor for operations and finance.
“The DOE staff feels that they’re being dragged into this mess,” one person familiar with the situation said.
The subpoena comes amid multiple federal and state probes into Mayor Eric Adams, his aides and his political operation — and just weeks after he was indicted on federal corruption charges.
When asked about the subpoena, Nathaniel Styer, an agency spokesperson, said the Department of Education does not comment on ongoing investigations. He said no subpoena was issued directly to Vadehra, but would not deny that one had been issued to the DOE itself when asked a direct question.
As of Friday afternoon, it was unclear whether the subpoena is aimed at Banks, his consultant brother, Terence Banks, or both of them. The feds are looking into the role of Terence Banks’ firm in a potential bribery scheme involving city contracts.
The subpoena is the latest sign that one of the FBI's inquiries is advancing since federal agents last month seized the phones of David and Terence Banks — as well as their brother Phil Banks, then-deputy mayor for public safety. Both David and Phil Banks recently stepped down from their high-ranking government posts.
In that instance, the agents were searching for documents linked to SaferWatch, a Florida-based company that sells panic button apps schools can use in emergencies.
Authorities are probing whether Philip and Tim Pearson — a former senior aide to Adams — steered contracts to companies represented by Terence.
A series of resignations have followed the indictment against the Democratic mayor. Aside from the Banks brothers, David Banks’ wife, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wrigh has stepped down, as have Pearson and Adams’ Asian liaison, Winnie Greco.
Those departures came after Gov. Kathy Hochul directed Adams to cast aside top officials caught up in investigations. Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office.
Wright recently posted a message on her Instagram page about having “stories to tell.” The chancellor — whom Adams forced him out early — revealed Thursday he’s working on a book and has been documenting “everything that I do.”
In a surprise turn of events, Phil Banks also took to X early Friday morning to defend his younger brother — and urged reporters to file Freedom of Information Law requests.
“Saferwatch had a contract with the nypd school safety division before they knew Terence banks,” the ex-city official tweeted . “After they entered into a client arrangement with Terence they received NO additional contract from school safety. Don’t believe me FOIL it.”
Start the Investigation on why Chancellor Banks Gave the organization Tcoiny numerous contracts , extra funding and extea special treatment like hiring staff they provided to work under the contracts given with no background checks , finger print clearance . With many of the staff contracted by tcoiny were ex felons they paid them at a way lower rate . Also check why numerous incidents happened under these special contracts such as staff personally hired by Tcoiny , having numerous criminal record . Having inappropiate relationship with female students . Many staff complained & reported incidents to supervisor however it was all covered up by Tcoiny and their political friends . The red flags have been their , how does an unqualified , no experience , known corrupt individual like Al Cohen get so many contracts and funding … ask David Banks , Sheena Wright , Dycd , and all the other funding agencies who are giving them these numerous special grants and funding.
Katrina Harrison
2h ago
Whay have I been saying . Chancellor Banks , wife and other political friends have been giving contracts and special treatment to their unqualified friends . Such as the known con artist Alphonso Cohen and his corrupt organization Tcoiny . A suppose youth organization , but in reality take all the hook ups and contracts and funding to fund his own pockets and lifestyle and payoff the debts he accumulated over the years . Investigate him as well and the cover ups he and wife Janet Cohen have done . Such as misusing grants , and covering up incidents like staff they hired in schools having relations with students
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