4 Arrested in Probe of NYC Homeless Shelter Operator

Investigation examines potential bribery, kickbacks involving city contracts

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of cash and a pen on a dark background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the financial corruption at the heart of the investigation.The corruption probe into a nonprofit's lucrative homeless shelter contracts exposes the need for greater transparency in how public funds are allocated.Brooklyn Today

Federal authorities have arrested four people in connection with an investigation into a Brooklyn nonprofit that received lucrative city contracts to open homeless shelters in New York City. Investigators are also examining whether City Council Member Farah Louis and her sister Debbie Louis, an aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, accepted bribes or kickbacks related to the appropriation of city funds to the nonprofit.

Why it matters

The investigation raises concerns about potential corruption in the awarding of city contracts for homeless services, an issue that has long plagued New York City's efforts to address homelessness. The involvement of elected officials also raises questions about the integrity of the political process.

The details

The nonprofit, BHRAGS Home Care Corp., has received around $200 million in city contracts to operate homeless shelters since 2022, including some emergency facilities that were opened in response to an influx of migrants. Among those arrested were BHRAGS President Jean Ronald Tirelus and its executive director, Roberto Samedy. Edouardo St. Fort, a retired New York City police sergeant who ran a security company linked to BHRAGS, and vendor Miguel Jorge were also taken into custody.

  • The arrests took place on March 31, 2026.
  • The search warrant was signed on March 19, 2026.

The players

BHRAGS Home Care Corp.

A Brooklyn nonprofit that received lucrative city contracts to open homeless shelters in New York City.

Jean Ronald Tirelus

The president of BHRAGS Home Care Corp.

Roberto Samedy

The executive director of BHRAGS Home Care Corp.

Edouardo St. Fort

A retired New York City police sergeant who ran a security company linked to BHRAGS.

Miguel Jorge

A vendor who was taken into custody as part of the investigation.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Edouardo St. Fort to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring transparency and accountability in the awarding of city contracts, particularly in the sensitive area of homeless services. It underscores the need for robust oversight and anti-corruption measures to maintain public trust in local government.