Federal prosecutors are investigating whether New York City Councilmember Farah Louis and her sister, Debbie Esther Louis, an assistant secretary in Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with city funds directed to a Brooklyn nonprofit that operates emergency shelters for homeless and migrant individuals.
The inquiry centers on BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a nonprofit that has received approximately $200 million in New York City contracts since 2022 to provide shelter services.
A federal search warrant signed on March 19, 2026, names Councilmember Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Debbie Esther Louis, and lobbyist Edu Hermelyn. Prosecutors are seeking evidence of possible criminal violations, including whether the individuals received improper benefits in exchange for steering discretionary city funds to the organization.
The investigation gained public attention following the March 31 indictment of four men connected to BHRAGS on charges including bribery, kickbacks, wire fraud, embezzlement, and related offenses. Among those charged is Roberto Samedy, the nonprofit’s former executive director. The indictment does not name the Louis sisters or Hermelyn, and none of them have been charged with any wrongdoing.
On March 23, federal agents conducted simultaneous pre-dawn raids on the Brooklyn homes of the Louis sisters, seizing cellphones and other electronic devices.
At Councilmember Farah Louis’s home, agents with guns drawn broke down the front door while she was still sleeping. According to reports, she had refused to open the door without first consulting her attorney. At Debbie Louis’s home, agents entered after her husband allowed them in; her 4-year-old daughter was present during the search.
Debbie Esther Louis has been placed on leave from her position in Governor Hochul’s administration.
Separately, Councilmember Farah Louis filed a $10 million notice of claim with the New York City Comptroller’s Office on February 5. The filing, which has resurfaced amid news of the federal probe, alleges discrimination, retaliation, and defamation by former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, her former chief of staff Jeremy John, and General Counsel Jason Otano.
BHRAGS Home Care Inc. has a long history of providing in-home care services but significantly expanded into operating emergency shelters as New York City faced a large influx of migrants and asylum seekers.
The Louis sisters and Edu Hermelyn have not commented publicly on the investigation. Messages seeking comment were not immediately returned.
This story is developing, and the investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed against Farah Louis, Debbie Esther Louis, or Edu Hermelyn.
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