Ex-NYPD Sergeant Arrested in Federal Corruption Probe Over Migrant Shelter Contracts

Edouardo St. Fort indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges linked to City Council member and her politically connected sister.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of cash or a ledger book with handwritten notes, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty details of a federal corruption investigation.A federal corruption probe into migrant shelter contracts exposes the potential for abuse of power and misuse of public funds.Brooklyn Today

An ex-NYPD police sergeant named Edouardo St. Fort was arrested in Massachusetts on a warrant from Brooklyn federal court. St. Fort was indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges stemming from a federal investigation into Councilwoman Farah Louis and her sister Debbie Louis, an aide to Governor Kathy Hochul, as well as Edu Hermelyn, the husband of state Assembly Member and chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. The investigation involves potential kickbacks related to BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a Brooklyn-based home service provider that became a migrant shelter provider, for which St. Fort's security company subcontracted.

Why it matters

This case highlights allegations of corruption and abuse of power at the intersection of local government, political connections, and the lucrative migrant shelter industry in New York. It raises questions about oversight, transparency, and accountability in the awarding of public contracts.

The details

According to the indictment, Edouardo St. Fort, a former NYPD sergeant, is accused of participating in a bribery and conspiracy scheme involving Councilwoman Farah Louis, her sister Debbie Louis who works for the governor, and Edu Hermelyn, the husband of the Brooklyn Democratic Party chair. The investigation centers around BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a Brooklyn-based company that transitioned from providing home health services to operating migrant shelters, for which St. Fort's security firm subcontracted. Authorities allege that the Louis sisters and Hermelyn received kickbacks in exchange for helping BHRAGS secure lucrative migrant shelter contracts.

  • Edouardo St. Fort was arrested on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
  • The indictment against St. Fort was handed down by a federal grand jury.

The players

Edouardo St. Fort

A former NYPD police sergeant who was indicted on bribery and conspiracy charges related to migrant shelter contracts.

Councilwoman Farah Louis

A New York City Council member who is under investigation for her alleged involvement in the corruption scheme.

Debbie Louis

The sister of Councilwoman Farah Louis and an aide to Governor Kathy Hochul, who is also under investigation for her alleged role in the corruption scheme.

Edu Hermelyn

The husband of state Assembly Member and chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who is under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the corruption scheme.

BHRAGS Home Care Inc.

A Brooklyn-based home service provider that transitioned to operating migrant shelters, at the center of the federal corruption investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must root out corruption at all levels of government to ensure public funds are used responsibly and equitably.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

Federal prosecutors are expected to continue their investigation into the alleged corruption scheme, potentially leading to additional charges or arrests.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and transparency in the awarding of public contracts, especially in the lucrative migrant shelter industry, to prevent abuse of power and ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly.