Frank Carone, a former chief of staff to ex-New York City mayor Eric Adams and a prominent figure in Brooklyn politics, is under federal investigation. According to the New York Times, prosecutors in Brooklyn are examining Carone’s business activities and his tenure at City Hall as part of an ongoing corruption inquiry that began in early 2024. The outcome of the investigation remains uncertain and may not result in charges.
Carone has been a significant presence in Brooklyn Democratic circles for over a decade and was closely involved with Adams’s 2021 mayoral campaign. He served as chief of staff during Adams’s first year as mayor before moving into the private sector.
After leaving City Hall in January 2023, Carone founded Oaktree Solutions, a consulting and lobbying firm that quickly gained clients from various industries. In May 2024, federal prosecutors issued grand jury subpoenas to several Oaktree Solutions clients after obtaining the firm’s bank records. These clients included businesses from the real estate sector.
Later that year, investigators reportedly focused more on Carone’s real estate partnerships and related ventures. One source told the Times that this shift marked an increased interest by authorities in his connections within the industry.
In response to news of the investigation, Carone stated: “The investigation is due to political animus and resentment over my success.” The FBI and U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York have declined to comment on the matter.
The inquiry also touches on Abrams Fensterman, Carone’s former law firm. The firm has been mentioned in civil litigation involving alleged insurance fraud schemes brought by Geico. Both Carone and Abrams Fensterman deny any wrongdoing and claim they were victims rather than participants in fraudulent activity.
