Federal authorities interview Bo Dietl as part of investigation into former Adams adviser Tim Pearson.

Bo Dietl, a private security contractor with a background as an ex-NYPD detective, has reportedly been interviewed by federal investigators in relation to a corruption inquiry examining Tim Pearson, a former senior adviser to Mayor Eric Adams. Sources privy to the investigation confirm that Dietl engaged with the investigators, though the timing of the discussion and the investigation’s current status remain unclear. This uncertainty has been exacerbated by recent leadership changes in the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, which is overseeing the probe.

Dietl, who has had a long-standing friendship with Mayor Adams but has recently expressed criticisms amid the mayor’s legal challenges, chose not to comment on the specifics of the interview, citing legal restrictions. A spokesperson for the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office also refrained from providing details.

In a recent podcast, Dietl alleged that he was encouraged by associates of the mayor to submit a bid for a security contract at a migrant shelter at significantly inflated rates, which he believed implied a kickback arrangement. Specifically, he indicated that he was asked to charge approximately 9 per hour for security services—far above his standard rate of —while also being told that 20% of the contract total would be disbursed to a consulting firm. Despite the seriousness of these claims, Dietl has maintained that he cannot disclose the identity of the individuals involved or the consulting firm due to legal constraints.

An audit conducted by the office of City Comptroller Brad Lander earlier this year found that private security contractors at migrant shelters had billed the city at rates averaging 7 per hour, illustrating the financial implications of the allegations.

In the wake of the scrutiny surrounding Pearson, who previously served as Adams’ top public safety adviser and played a significant role in the awarding of migrant services contracts, it was reported that his residence was searched last fall as part of a federal investigation examining potential kickbacks related to city contracts. Although Pearson resigned in October following the raid, he has not faced any criminal charges.

Despite these developments, the mayor’s office maintains that Pearson is no longer affiliated with the administration and notes that Dietl did not receive any contracts related to the city’s migrant initiatives. A spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management of taxpayer resources, while dismissing any insinuations of misconduct as unfounded.

Moreover, Pearson’s departure from the mayoral administration came in the midst of various allegations against him, with multiple lawsuits citing issues ranging from sexual harassment to professional retaliation. Reports reveal that Pearson expressed dissatisfaction with the financial outcomes of the contracts he managed, allegedly questioning his earnings from the deals he oversaw.

As the federal investigation evolves amid a landscape marked by political turmoil, the ramifications of these inquiries not only implicate individual actors but also raise pressing questions about the operational integrity of the Adams administration. The future of ongoing investigations remains in flux, especially in light of significant staffing changes within the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, influenced by recent political dynamics. As this situation unfolds, the implications for both governance and public trust will be closely scrutinized.

The legal outcomes of these matters remain to be seen, while federal prosecutors have yet to conclude their investigations into Pearson and his associates. Meanwhile, the public’s eye remains fixed on the repercussions of these inquiries for New York City’s leadership and its response to corruption allegations. Media News Source.