Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke out Thursday and defended his actions for the first time since news broke about City Hall being subpoenaed by federal and state prosecutors investigating his fundraising and political activities. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.
As federal and state prosecutors drop subpoenas on top aides and City Hall, Mayor Bill de Blasio insists his team has done nothing wrong.
"We hold ourselves to the highest standard of integrity. Everything we have done from the beginning is legal and appropriate," de Blasio said. "There's an investigation going on. We are going to fully cooperate with that investigation. We look forward to the speedy conclusion of it. But we will fully cooperate."
De Blasio said little else as reporters trailed him. But he did add that he is feeling fine about the subpoenas, saying once again that his team followed the law.
Prosecutors are investigating the mayor's fundraising activities on behalf of himself and his nonprofit group, as well as his efforts in support of state Senate Democrats. Now, those closest to the mayor are being drawn in.
Emma Wolfe, the mayor's top political aide at City Hall, was subpoenaed, a source said.
"She is a highly regarded public servant whose integrity should not be questioned," said Karen Hinton, the mayor's press secretary.
A consulting firm founded by one of the mayor's top advisers, Jonathan Rosen, was also subpoenaed, according to a source. An NY1 investigative report last year took a close look at the firm, BerlinRosen.
Rosen said in a statement, "We're proud of the work we do for our clients. We have acted appropriately and in accordance with the law at all times."
A person familiar with the matter says the mayor's campaign fundraiser, Ross Offinger, was subpoenaed as well.
The mayor was not personally subpoenaed, but City Hall was. The mayor's spokeswoman says she does not know how many subpoenas were issued and to whom they were directed.
"We are about getting the people's business done, and we are continuing to work just as hard as we always have on those issues, whether it is affordable housing or education. We're working just like we do every day," Hinton said.
That may be the line from City Hall right now, but until this investigation is resolved, the mayor will likely find it dogging him every step of the way.