U.S. Investigating Political Action Committee Tied to Mayor Adams

Federal authorities have opened a corruption investigation into a Queens pastor and a political action committee he formed to support Mayor Eric Adams, according to people with knowledge of the inquiry.

The criminal investigation brings to six the number of corruption inquiries involving the mayor or members of his inner circle, a level of scrutiny unprecedented in and around City Hall in recent New York City history.

The precise outlines and scope of the investigation are unclear, but federal prosecutors in Brooklyn and the F.B.I. are focused at least in part on the conduct of the pastor, the Rev. Alfred Cockfield II, and the finances of his political action committee, Striving for a Better New York, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Two weeks ago, the people said, F.B.I. agents searched the Far Rockaway home of Mr. Cockfield, who formed the committee three years ago to support Mr. Adams and his policies.

Mr. Cockfield did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This is a developing story and will be updated.