On Friday, New York Mayor Eric Adams’s last close ally in City Hall departed as a federal bribery indictment and several investigations triggered significant upheaval at the leadership level of the nation’s largest city.

Philip Banks III, who served as the deputy mayor for criminal justice and was a former high-ranking police officer, became the latest in a string of resignations signaling the fallout from ongoing law enforcement raids following Adams’ unprecedented indictment last month.

Banks expressed his desire to move on to different pursuits in his life, stating that he didn’t want his continued presence to be a hinderance to the city’s work, according to Mayor Adams in an NY1 Spectrum News interview on Monday morning. “I accepted his resignation,” he added. “I wish my good friend well.”

Eric Adams remains in position

Despite serious allegations from U.S. Attorney Damian Williams accusing him of receiving unlawful campaign contributions and complimentary international travel from the Turkish government in return for favors, Adams has not resigned.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Last week, federal prosecutors indicated that more charges could be forthcoming and that it’s likely that others in his administration could also face charges amid the swirling scandals.

A recent Marist poll revealed that 69% of New York City residents—including 71% of Democrats—believe the mayor should step down, with 30% supporting him to finish his term.

While New York Governor Kathy Hochul possesses the authority to remove the mayor, taking such action before a trial could prove politically risky. Adams maintains close ties with Rev. Al Sharpton, a significant figure in the Democratic party, who has cautioned Hochul against taking any action against Adams. As long as New York City is functioning well, no elected officials appear willing to challenge the mayor’s position, according to discussions within the Democratic party, shared with YSL News.

Adams expressed appreciation for Hochul’s support, stating, “The governor has been a real partner and she will continue to do that.”

Jay Jacobs, the chair of the state Democratic party, noted during an interview that “the governor has been very clear that she wants to see the city cleaned up.” The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

City Hall’s close-knit community

Mayor Adams, formerly a police captain and state senator, surrounded himself with family members and friends from his NYPD days, many of whom received federal search warrants or subpoenas last month.

Despite having been identified as an unindicted co-conspirator in a past NYPD corruption case, Adams appointed Deputy Mayor Banks to manage the city’s criminal justice efforts.

Banks’ sibling, Schools Chancellor David Banks, recently declared his retirement. Reports suggest that David Banks’s partner, Sheena Wright, plans to resign from her role as first deputy mayor. A third brother, government affairs consultant Terrence Banks, recently had his phone turned over to investigators.

The NYPD is currently under scrutiny from federal investigators regarding enforcement activities at nightclubs.

Edward Caban, the police commissioner, stepped down two weeks after his devices were confiscated. Following that, investigators raided the home of Thomas Donlon, the interim police commissioner, reportedly looking for documents dating back to his tenure as a senior FBI official. Caban’s twin brother, James, a former police officer who was dismissed in 2001, also had his phones taken for examination.

Adams has suggested, to the frustration of fellow Democrats, that the allegations against him are retaliatory actions from the White House due to his criticisms of the Biden administration’s immigration stance.

When asked on Monday on Fox5’s “Good Day New York” if he still held onto this belief, Adams responded, “Listen, I said I was a target, a target I became.”