Former NYC Mayor’s Office official Anthony Herbert is charged with bribery, fraud, and kickbacks in a federal corruption case involving NYCHA and PPP loans.
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| Former Citywide Public Housing Liaison Anthony Herbert was arrested and charged by the feds with bribery and fraud. -Photo from Herbert's Facebook Page |
By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
January 13, 2026
Federal authorities announced that Anthony Herbert, 61, of Brooklyn, has been charged with bribery, kickbacks, honest services wire fraud, extortion, federal program fraud, and wire fraud. Herbert previously worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, including as the Citywide Public Housing Liaison, a role that put him in direct contact with residents and leadership of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
According to the unsealed indictment, Herbert allegedly abused his public position to enrich himself, accepting thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks while pressuring other city officials to steer contracts and public funds to favored businesses.
Federal Authorities Announce Arrest and Charges
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber.
Herbert was arrested Tuesday morning and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.
Prosecutors emphasized that the case is part of an ongoing effort to hold public officials accountable for corruption and abuse of power.
Who Is Anthony Herbert?
From February 2022 through September 2025, Herbert worked within the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. He initially served as Brooklyn Borough Director, then later became the Citywide Public Housing Liaison, where he acted as a bridge between City Hall and NYCHA residents.
Federal prosecutors allege that instead of serving the public interest, Herbert used his access and influence to pressure city agencies on behalf of private individuals who paid him.
Alleged Bribery and Kickback Schemes
The indictment outlines two separate bribery schemes allegedly carried out by Herbert while he was employed by the city.
Security Company Bribery Scheme
In the first scheme, prosecutors say Herbert solicited and received thousands of dollars in cash bribes from a security company executive. In return, Herbert allegedly used his position to advise and pressure other city officials to award NYC and NYCHA-related security contracts to the executive’s company.
According to the indictment, the alleged scheme involved leveraging Herbert’s insider access at City Hall to influence contract decisions that should have been made through lawful and competitive processes.
Funeral Home Kickback Scheme
The second scheme involved a funeral home director participating in a city-funded burial assistance program for low-income families.
Prosecutors allege Herbert pressured city officials to approve reimbursement payments to the funeral home. In exchange, Herbert allegedly received kickbacks from the proceeds of those publicly funded payments, effectively profiting from a program intended to help vulnerable families.
False Financial Disclosures Alleged
The indictment further alleges that Herbert attempted to conceal his misconduct by filing false financial disclosure forms with New York City. Prosecutors say he failed to report the bribe and kickback payments he received, allowing the alleged schemes to continue without detection for a period of time.
Pandemic Relief Fraud Allegation
In addition to public corruption charges, Herbert is also accused of committing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud.
Federal prosecutors allege that in April 2021, Herbert submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application on behalf of a fictitious baked goods business he claimed to operate. The application allegedly contained false information and resulted in Herbert receiving $20,418 in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Anthony Herbert faces multiple felony counts, including:
- Two counts of bribery (up to 10 years each)
- One count of honest services wire fraud (up to 20 years)
- One count of federal program fraud (up to 10 years)
- One count of extortion under color of official right (up to 20 years)
- One count of wire fraud (up to 20 years)
Prosecutors noted that these penalties represent statutory maximums and that any sentence would ultimately be determined by the judge if Herbert is convicted.
Prosecutors Emphasize Accountability
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the case underscores the importance of integrity in public service, particularly for officials working directly with underserved communities.
Investigators from IRS-CI, the NYC Department of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York worked jointly on the case. The prosecution is being handled by the Public Corruption Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine Ghosh and Daniel H. Wolf leading the case.
Presumption of Innocence
As with all federal criminal cases, authorities emphasized that the charges against Herbert are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Why This Case Matters
Public corruption cases involving New York City officials often draw heightened scrutiny, particularly when they involve public housing, social services, and pandemic relief funds. Prosecutors say the case highlights how abuse of power can undermine trust in government programs designed to help communities most in need.
As the case moves forward in federal court, it is expected to attract close attention from watchdog agencies, city officials, and residents across New York City.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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