Federal authorities have made four arrests in connection with a corruption investigation centered on a Brooklyn nonprofit that secured substantial city contracts to operate homeless shelters across New York City. The arrests target individuals associated with BHRAGS Home Care Corp., which has been a major recipient of city funding.

Key Figures and Arrests in the Investigation

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 probe. A fourth vendor, Miguel Jorge, was also confirmed to be in custody that day.

Security Subcontractor Also Implicated

Edouardo St. Fort, a retired New York City police sergeant who managed a security company connected to BHRAGS, is also reportedly in custody in Massachusetts. His company, Fort NYC Security, served as a subcontractor for BHRAGS.

Records indicate that since 2023, the city agreed to pay Fort NYC Security over $7 million for security services at the shelters. Notably, five of the six contracts awarded to this security firm were granted on an emergency basis, bypassing the standard competitive bidding process.

Scope of the Nonprofit's City Contracts

BHRAGS Home Care Corp. has been awarded approximately $200 million in city contracts since 2022. These agreements cover the operation of various homeless shelters, including emergency facilities established following a recent surge in migrants entering the city.

Focus on Potential Bribery Involving Public Officials

Investigators are reportedly examining whether City Council Member Farah Louis and her sister, Debbie Louis, who serves as an aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, accepted bribes or kickbacks. This scrutiny relates to the allocation of city funds directed toward the nonprofit organization.

A search warrant viewed by The Associated Press suggests prosecutors are seeking evidence regarding whether the Louis sisters, along with Edu Hermelyn, received benefits in exchange for actions favorable to BHRAGS. Edu Hermelyn is the husband of state Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Details from Arrest Warrants

The arrest warrant for Edouardo St. Fort details serious federal charges. These include conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, bribery related to programs receiving federal funds, and violating laws prohibiting interstate travel for unlawful activities.

The New York City Council spokesperson stated that the legislative body takes any potential misconduct very seriously. They emphasized the necessity for the federal investigation to proceed fairly and quickly to reach a resolution, ensuring public confidence in government.

It is important to note that the existence of a search warrant only signifies that investigators obtained judicial permission to seize evidence; it does not confirm that criminal charges are planned against any specific individual mentioned.