A lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court alleges that Mayor Eric Adams turned a blind eye to the inappropriate behavior of one of his top aides, Tim Pearson, who is accused of sexual harassment and abuse. NYPD Chief Militiadis Marmara was reportedly removed from his position after reporting harassment from Pearson, whose behavior has been an open secret for years. Pearson allegedly threatened Marmara after learning of the report, warning him that he would face consequences for speaking out. Despite numerous allegations against Pearson, including being accused of being a sexual predator, he continued to receive a significant taxpayer-funded salary.
Marmara reported Pearson’s behavior to the mayor’s brother, Bernard Adams, who at the time was head of security for Mayor Adams. Bernard dismissed the accusations as just “Tim being Tim,” excusing Pearson’s actions as those of a “ladies man.” The lawsuit claims that the Adams administration allowed Pearson to remain in his position despite the allegations against him, creating a pattern of turning a blind eye to his misconduct. This lawsuit is the fourth to be filed within a year accusing Pearson of sexual misconduct, further highlighting the issue within city government.
Marmara claims that he was demoted from his position after reporting Pearson’s harassment of former cop Roxanne Ludemann, who has also filed a lawsuit against Pearson. Marmara was reassigned to patrol North Brooklyn and given an undesirable late-night shift as punishment for speaking out against Pearson. The lawsuit details numerous other allegations against Pearson, including manipulating his way into having sex with a pastor and retaliating against her when she tried to report him. Pearson’s behavior was reportedly known to NYPD brass, including Chief Of Patrol John Chell and Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.
The lawsuit also alleges that Pearson made inappropriate comments and engaged in inappropriate behavior while in positions of authority, including claiming that he was the only one allowed to have sex with women in the precinct while serving as commanding officer at Brooklyn’s 88th Precinct. Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly had reportedly “shelved” Pearson’s career due to allegations of sexual misconduct, including receiving oral sex at Police Department headquarters. Despite these allegations, Pearson continued to receive support and protection from those in positions of power within the NYPD.
When asked about the lawsuit, Mayor Adams did not directly address the allegations against Pearson but instead praised him as being “well respected in the law enforcement community.” City Hall’s top lawyer, Lisa Zornberg, stated that they would not litigate the allegations in the press and would let the legal process run its course. The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of a culture within city government that allows for sexual misconduct and harassment to go unpunished, with those who speak out facing retaliation and punishment for trying to hold abusers accountable.
