First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright stepped out of her Harlem townhouse Tuesday morning wearing a shiny, brand-new diamond infinity ring following her weekend wedding to David Banks, the city’s embattled schools chancellor.
long time lover Martha’s Vineyard Wedding — which came just a day after she appeared in Manhattan federal court to answer to widespread corruption charges against her boss, Mayor Eric Adams — has led some to wonder whether the couple have tied the knot so that They may claim “spousal privilege”, or the right not to do so. Testify against each other.
But Wright ignored The Post’s questions Tuesday about the timing of the wedding, instead saying, “I hope you have a good day” and walking toward a waiting black SUV parked outside her home.
Her new spouse left the house several hours later, holding a newspaper and a notebook as he walked out the door.
When Banks was asked if the two were married for spousal privilege, she said, “Don’t be ridiculous.”
He also said that their marriage was “awesome”, and said that the public would “hear more about it soon.”
Banks and Wright have been together for more than a decade, and said they planned to get married last summer — but they didn’t tie the knot.
The federal raid on his Harlem home early last month was followed by similar raids on top Adams officials and associates such as former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Banks’ brother, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.
Neither has been charged with a crime, although federal authorities seized both of their phones during the raid.
Sources have said there may be several corruption investigations into Adams’ inner circle, and they may be connected to the mayor. Historic federal criminal charges.
Last week, a grand jury indicted Adams Allegedly taking bribes from Turkish officials and citizens, and defrauded taxpayers out of $10 million in matching campaign finance funds.
The timing of the Wright-Banks marriage has raised questions among legal observers and political insiders alike.
One insider quipped, “Nice ring — but they still have to sing.”
Legal experts said that if his intention was to avoid testifying in the Adams investigation, it would not work.
Experts said it could backfire and could lead to charges of obstruction of justice if federal authorities find evidence that he arranged the marriage to avoid prosecution.
They also cannot claim spousal privilege if federal officials ask them to talk about premarital communications.
“If it’s some grand Machiavellian plan, it’s very likely not going to work,” he said.
Experts also said the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office, which is conducting several investigations, is well-versed in dealing with such issues.
“Generally speaking, the spousal privilege only protects communications within the marriage,” defense attorney Andrew Fleishman posted on X.
“You can’t marry everyone you rob banks with and hope they don’t cheat.”
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