NEW YORK — A bombshell report on a controversial showdown has found former Mayor Eric Adams' advisor Tim Pearson shoved two migrant shelter security guards, cursed at them, and then gave a “false” account of what happened to responding officers, resulting in the guards' arrests. The report, released Thursday by the Department of Investigation (DOI), paints a damning picture of Pearson's actions when visiting the migrant shelter located on W. 31st St. in Manhattan for an inspection on October 17, 2023.
A DOI spokeswoman did not clarify if the agency will refer Pearson, who resigned last year after facing allegations of sexual harassment and being ensnared in a federal corruption investigation, for prosecution. According to Jason Steinberger, attorney for the two security guards, the city should uphold accountability for all its employees “found by objective and credible evidence to have compromised their integrity by way of making false statements or reports.” The guards are suing Pearson over alleged civil rights violations.
“I trust the Office of the New York County District Attorney will investigate the matter and pursue whichever course of action they deem appropriate,” Steinberger said. Unfortunately, the Manhattan District Attorney's office did not respond immediately to requests for comment, nor did Pearson’s lawyer.
The DOI's report notes investigators made several attempts to question Pearson about the incident via mail, email, and through counsel, but he refused to respond. The 13-page report highlights Pearson’s refusal to present identification at the migrant shelter during his inspection of the fire sprinkler system. The security guards were acting according to city protocol, which required all visitors to show ID.
Citing interviews with responding officers and security personnel, as well as bodycam footage, the DOI concluded Pearson turned “verbally abusive and physically aggressive,” quickly initiating the altercation after the guards requested ID from him. “I don’t have to identify myself,” Pearson allegedly shouted, adding, “Get the f—k out of my way.” Pearson then pushed one of the guards, Terence Rosenthal, and attempted to enter the shelter, which is housed in an old Touro College facility.
Leesha Bell, another security supervisor who is also suing Pearson, intervened and reiterated the need for him to show ID to access the building. “Get the f—k out of my face,” Pearson reportedly yelled at her, before threatening their jobs. When she continued to block his path, DOI claims Pearson grabbed her by the neck and shoved her backwards, causing her to fall onto a counter. Bell’s account was consistent with her initial statements to responding officers, according to the report.
After being forcibly removed from the shelter by the guards, Pearson alleged told officers who came to the scene—a police vehicle was stationed nearby—his narrative differed significantly from what transpired at the shelter. He demanded the police call for backup, using law enforcement code “10-85.” Bodycam footage caught one officer asking if Pearson was still “active” as part of the NYPD, to which he falsely claimed, “Yeah!”
Minutes later, 19 officers from seven NYPD units arrived at the scene. Pearson told the police the guards “started attacking” him when he showed up, asserting the supervisor “was getting in my face and started pushing on me.” He insisted to the officers, “I want the inspector down here now,” and claimed, “I’m going to make sure not one of those damn Arrow people stay here.”
Consequently, following another conversation captured on surveillance footage, the precinct inspector ordered the arrests of Bell and Rosenthal, who were taken to the local precinct and released after the Manhattan DA’s office opted not to pursue charges. The DOI determined Pearson’s account to the NYPD, which led to the guards' arrests, was “false.” The investigation also noted inconsistencies from Pearson’s driver, NYPD Det. Joseph Rafaelle, raising questions about his credibility.
“Pearson’s conduct, as evidenced by witness statements and body worn camera footage reviewed by DOI, fell far below our most basic expectations for public servants,” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber remarked about the findings.
The fallout from this incident sends ripples through the trust placed upon public officials and highlights the severity of accountability among those drawing salaries from taxpayer funds. It poses questions about what consequences await those who occupy positions of influence, especially as allegations of intimidation and false reporting arise.