Jesse Hamilton misses second NYC Council hearing amid scrutiny

Jesse Hamilton, a top official in Mayor Adams' administration, missed a City Council hearing for the second consecutive time. He is being investigated for his involvement in the city's leasing practices. Hamilton's absence was attributed to a "medical emergency," according to a Department of Citywide Administrative Services spokesperson. No further details about his health were provided. Hamilton is the deputy commissioner for real estate services. He has faced criticism from Council members due to the Manhattan District Attorney's probe, which focuses on his work at DCAS. The investigation includes his hiring of Diana Boutross, a real estate executive, and his attempts to finalize a lease with a property owned by a major donor to Mayor Adams. After returning from Japan in September, Hamilton's phone was seized by DA agents at JFK Airport. He traveled with Boutross and Ingrid Lewis-Martin, the former chief adviser to the mayor, who also had their phones taken. A lawsuit from JRT Realty claims Hamilton pressured Cushman & Wakefield to hire Boutross, alleging she misused her position for personal gain by blocking the firm from city contracts. Hamilton was previously called to testify in an October hearing about a lease he pulled for the Department of Aging, which he then gave to 14 Wall Street, a property owned by billionaire Alexander Rovt. He did not attend that hearing either. At Friday's City Council meeting, DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina stated that Boutross's duties had not been reviewed despite ongoing investigations. He confirmed that the mayor's office is looking into the 14 Wall Street lease and that an internal review at DCAS is underway.