Summary
- Pearson was the public safety advisor for Mayor Eric Adams while also working with the casino.
- Resorts World felt this was an ethics concern as the casino hopes to expand its operations in Queens.
- The security directory never told the casino he was moonlighting in the other position.
Resorts World Casino has decided to let go Timothy Pearson, the company’s longtime security advisor. The casino recently found out that Pearson is also working for Mayor Eric Adams as a public safety advisor.
In this position, he receives payment via the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The casino feels this may be an ethics issue in the future as the venue tries to increase its gaming options in Queens via full-scale licensing.
Details of the Issue
A source spoke with The Post and stated that Pearson and Adams worked together many years ago in the New York Police Department. They are apparently friends and Adams took him on in the public safety position since he is mayor. Pearson never told his managers at Resorts Casino that he was working for the mayor or getting paid by the city.
Pearson was working for Resorts for 10 years and never mentioned his other position. Resorts officials did know that he was acting as an unpaid advisor for the transition team of Adams as he prepared to enter the mayoral office earlier this year. Pearson was apparently hired on in May.
Resorts does not appear to have any ill will towards Pearson, they just want to be sure they act on the up and up in order to try and receive one of only three full-scale casino licenses up for grabs near New York City.
In a statement yesterday, officials called Pearson a ‘distinguished hero’ who has served the city for many years in the NYPD. He used his skills to keep the casino and community safe for many years and they support his decision to provide his expertise to the city and wish him well.
Applying for Casino Licensing
It is expected that Resorts World will apply for a downstate license. This would allow the casino to expand its operations from slot games to offer table games as well. The Resorts Casino and the Aqueduct are expected to receive two of the three available licenses since they have seniority as a gaming operator in the downstate area.
Casino operators and developers have been lobbying Adams for licensing and having a team member also work for the mayor is not a good look. Pearson’s public-private employment raised questions about the conflict of interest law in the city.
Full-time public servants are not allowed to work for a company or non-profit that has business dealings with any agency of the city. Hopefully, the short time he worked in both positions will not affect Resorts World’s ability to obtain one of the available licenses.
About the Author
