Federal authorities have apprehended four individuals as part of a corruption investigation targeting a Brooklyn nonprofit that secured substantial city contracts to manage homeless shelters across New York City. The probe centers on BHRAGS Home Care Corp., which has received approximately $200 million in city agreements since 2022.

Key Figures Arrested in Shelter Contract Investigation

BHRAGS Leadership and Associates in Custody

Among those taken into custody on Tuesday were BHRAGS President Jean Ronald Tirelus and the organization's executive director, Roberto Samedy, according to an anonymous source familiar with the ongoing investigation.

Additionally, Edouardo St. Fort, a retired NYPD sergeant whose security company worked with BHRAGS, was arrested in Massachusetts. The fourth person taken into custody on Tuesday was identified as vendor Miguel Jorge.

Security Subcontractor Under Scrutiny

St. Fort’s security firm, Fort NYC Security, operated as a subcontractor for BHRAGS. City records indicate that since 2023, the city agreed to pay Fort NYC Security over $7 million for security services at these shelters.

Significantly, five of the six contracts awarded to Fort NYC Security were processed on an emergency basis. This designation allowed the city to bypass the standard bidding process required for selecting the lowest responsible bidder.

Inquiry Extends to City Officials

Allegations Against Council Member Farah Louis

Investigators are examining whether City Council Member Farah Louis and her sister, Debbie Louis, accepted bribes or kickbacks. Debbie Louis currently serves as an aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

These allegations relate to the appropriation of city funds directed toward the nonprofit organization. A search warrant obtained by The Associated Press details prosecutors' interest in communications between BHRAGS and the Louis sisters, signed on March 19.

Warrant Details and Other Individuals

The arrest warrant for St. Fort specifies indictments for conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, bribery involving federally funded programs, and violating laws concerning interstate travel for illegal activities.

Prosecutors are also seeking information regarding whether the Louis sisters and Edu Hermelyn received benefits in exchange for actions favoring BHRAGS. Edu Hermelyn is the spouse of state Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Official Reactions and Context

The shelters operated by BHRAGS include emergency facilities established in response to the recent surge in migrants arriving in the city.

A spokesperson for the City Council stated that the legislative body "takes any potential misconduct extremely seriously." They emphasized the necessity for the federal investigation to proceed fairly and quickly toward a resolution.

The existence of a search warrant confirms investigators have convinced a magistrate judge to allow them to seize evidence, though it does not confirm future criminal charges.