Eric Adams’ Son’s Film Project Linked to Indictment in NYC Corruption Probe
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New York City is bracing for potential fallout from a widening corruption examination involving the governance of Mayor Eric Adams. The probe centers on allegations of influence peddling and improper lobbying,and now includes a connection to a film project spearheaded by the mayor’s son,Jordan Coleman. This developing story raises questions about ethics and potential conflicts of interest within City Hall.
The Film: “Striking Back” and Rollin Studios
Coleman wrote, directed, and starred in “Striking Back,” a zombie thriller. The project was produced by Rollin Studios, a company owned by Anthony Argento, son of Tony Argento and nephew of Broadway Stages CEO Gina Argento. Both Tony and Gina Argento are expected to be indicted Thursday in connection with the corruption scandal,according to reports from The New York Times. rollin Studios operates out of the same Brooklyn address as broadway stages.
Currently, there is no evidence suggesting wrongdoing by Anthony Argento or Coleman. However, the ties between the families and the timing of the indictment are drawing scrutiny. John Ciafone, legal counsel for Gina Argento, stated he is unaware of any plans for Anthony Argento to surrender alongside his relatives.
Did You No? Broadway Stages is one of the largest film and television production facilities in North America, playing a notable role in the city’s entertainment industry.
The McGuinness Boulevard Dispute
The impending indictment reportedly stems,in part,from the Argento family’s efforts to block a bike-friendly redesign of McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint,Brooklyn. Ciafone characterized this opposition as a matter of First Amendment rights. Anthony Argento actively participated in the “Keep McGuinness Movement,” which temporarily halted the proposal with assistance from Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who faces charges in the same investigation.
Investigators seized Gina Argento’s phone last year and documented multiple meetings between her and Lewis-Martin, as reported by The Times. In 2022, Mayor Adams appointed gina Argento to the newly established Film and Television Production Industry council, tasked with advising the city on support for the film and television sector.Records indicate Broadway Stages has invested substantially in lobbying city officials during Adams’ administration.
Key Players and Financial Connections
| Name | Role | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Adams | Mayor of New York City | Son, Jordan Coleman, produced film; appointed Gina Argento to industry council. |
| Jordan Coleman | Filmmaker | Wrote, directed, and starred in “Striking Back.” |
| Gina Argento | Broadway Stages CEO | Appointed to Film and Television Production Industry Council; facing indictment. |
| Tony Argento | Broadway Stages Co-owner | Facing indictment. |
| Anthony Argento | rollin Studios Owner | Produced Coleman’s film; father and aunt facing indictment. |
Attempts to reach Coleman and Anthony Argento for comment were unsuccessful. A call to a number listed for Anthony Argento went unanswered, and emails to Rollin Studios have not received a response.
Further Connections and Production Details
While Rollin Studios does not currently list “Striking Back” on its website, the film’s director of photography and co-star Kenneth Wilson both identified Rollin Studios as the producer on social media posts featuring the Broadway Stages logo.The film also features Bernard Adams, Mayor Eric Adams’ brother and former head of security, in a supporting role.
The New York Post previously reported on the film in 2023, noting it cost Coleman $10,000 to produce and was filmed on Staten Island. Broadway Stages owns and rents out the former Arthur Kill Correctional facility on Staten island as a filming location.
Campaign finance records show Anthony Argento donated $2,000 to Mayor Adams’ campaign in late 2022 during the height of the McGuinness Boulevard debate.
Pro Tip: Understanding the interplay between campaign contributions, lobbying efforts, and city contracts is crucial for assessing potential conflicts of interest in local government.
What impact will these allegations have on Mayor Adams’ administration, and how might this situation affect future development projects in New york City?
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining clarity and accountability in local government. The intersection of political influence, financial interests, and family connections frequently enough creates complex ethical dilemmas. The case also underscores the importance of robust campaign finance regulations and autonomous oversight of lobbying activities. The long-term effects of this scandal could reshape the landscape of political fundraising and development approvals in New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the central allegation in this case? The core allegation involves potential corruption and influence peddling within Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
- Who is Jordan Coleman? Jordan Coleman is the son of Mayor Eric Adams and the writer, director, and star of the film “Striking Back.”
- What role did Rollin Studios play? Rollin Studios, owned by Anthony Argento, produced Coleman’s film.
- What is the connection to McGuinness Boulevard? The Argento family actively opposed a bike-friendly redesign of McGuinness Boulevard, and this opposition is linked to the corruption investigation.
- Is there evidence of wrongdoing by Coleman or Argento? As of now,there is no evidence or allegation of wrongdoing by Anthony Argento or Coleman.
This is a developing story, and World Today News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
