A former high-ranking staffer in the New York City mayor’s office now faces federal charges, accused of orchestrating a series of schemes that allegedly netted him over $36,000. Tony Herbert, 61, was arrested Tuesday morning in Manhattan, bringing a dramatic fall from grace for the once-influential city official.
The indictment details two bribery schemes allegedly carried out while Herbert was employed by the city, resulting in $16,000 in illicit gains. These actions, prosecutors claim, represent a blatant abuse of power, exploiting his position to personally profit from city contracts and programs.
One scheme involved a security firm vying for lucrative contracts with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Herbert is accused of accepting cash payments in exchange for influencing other city officials to award the contracts to the firm, effectively selling access and advantage.
The second alleged scheme centered around a financial assistance program designed to help low-income families cover funeral expenses. Herbert purportedly pressured city officials to approve payments to a specific funeral home director, receiving substantial kickbacks in return for his influence.
Before his time in the mayor’s office, the government alleges Herbert engaged in further deception, submitting a fraudulent application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. This application, filed under the guise of a nonexistent baked goods company, secured him over $20,000 in funds.
Federal prosecutors paint a picture of calculated self-enrichment, stating Herbert “repeatedly and flagrantly” abused his position. The U.S. Attorney emphasized the betrayal of public trust, highlighting Herbert’s role as a liaison to public housing residents while allegedly pursuing these corrupt schemes.
Herbert now faces six federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and extortion. Each charge carries a potential prison sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are pursuing the case.
This legal trouble follows Herbert’s controversial dismissal from City Hall last year. He was terminated after posting inflammatory remarks online regarding an incident involving Charlie Kirk, describing the event as “karma” against a “racist.”
His initial Facebook post and a subsequent video defending his statement were quickly removed, but the fallout ultimately contributed to his departure from the administration. Now, the consequences extend far beyond a lost job, potentially leading to a lengthy prison sentence.
Investigators suggest Herbert saw his city position as a personal opportunity, creating what one official described as a “side hustle of bribery and fraud.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption within government and the ongoing efforts to hold those in power accountable.
