4 Arrested in Probe of NYC Homeless Shelter Operator

Investigation examines potential bribery, kickbacks involving City Council member and governor's aide

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of crumpled city contract documents, the paper's texture and material details sharply illuminated by a direct camera flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of investigation and scrutiny into the city's homeless shelter contracts.The federal investigation into a nonprofit's lucrative city contracts shines a harsh light on potential corruption in New York's homeless shelter system.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 highlights concerns over transparency and accountability in the awarding of city contracts, particularly those related to critical social services like homeless shelters. It also raises questions about potential corruption and abuse of power among elected officials and their staff.

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, its executive director Roberto Samedy, retired NYPD sergeant Edouardo St. Fort who ran a security company linked to BHRAGS, and vendor Miguel Jorge.

  • The arrests took place on Tuesday, 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, including some emergency facilities in response to an influx of migrants.

Farah Louis

A New York City Council member who is being investigated for potentially accepting bribes or kickbacks related to the appropriation of city funds to BHRAGS.

Debbie Louis

The sister of Farah Louis and an aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is also being investigated for potentially accepting bribes or kickbacks related to the appropriation of city funds to BHRAGS.

Jean Ronald Tirelus

The president of BHRAGS Home Care Corp., who was arrested as part of the investigation.

Roberto Samedy

The executive director of BHRAGS Home Care Corp., who was arrested as part of the investigation.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Edouardo St. Fort, the retired NYPD sergeant, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the awarding of city contracts, particularly those related to critical social services. It also raises concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power among elected officials and their staff.