Mayor Eric Adams’ domestic partner, Tracey Collins, is under investigation for allegedly failing to report to her high-paying job at the New York City Department of Education (DOE) while benefiting from extravagant international travel.

The investigation follows complaints that Collins, who holds a senior position within the DOE, has not fulfilled her work duties in nearly a year, with her promotion to the role having occurred after Adams took office, and she is also accused of receiving travel perks and failing to disclose them on required ethics forms, as the New York Post reports.

Collins, 61, serves as a senior adviser in the DOE, earning a salary of $221,597 annually. However, complaints have surfaced alleging that she has not appeared for work in almost a year, despite holding this prominent and well-compensated position.

The complaints, submitted this week, also highlight that Collins has joined Adams on $45,000 worth of luxury trips abroad, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations.

High-Paying DOE Position and Travel Perks Raise Concerns

The complaints filed against Collins were sent to DOE ethics officer Samantha Biletsky and several other city agencies, including the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) and the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI).

The allegations include accusations of a “no-show” job, suggesting that Collins has been absent from her position since November 2023. Her co-workers reported not having seen her in person since Thanksgiving of that year, and her work calendar has remained conspicuously empty.

Investigators are also examining Collins’ participation in multiple international trips with Mayor Adams. Since 2016, she has traveled with him to destinations such as India, Hungary, Turkey, Jordan, Oman, and Ghana. The value of these trips, some of which were made possible through travel upgrades and perks, has drawn further scrutiny, as Collins reportedly failed to disclose them as required by city ethics rules.

Promotion and Salary Increase Tied to Adams’ Mayoral Term

Collins’ rise within the DOE occurred after Adams assumed office. Several months after his inauguration, she received a promotion from schools chancellor David Banks, along with a 23% salary increase, boosting her annual earnings to $221,597. This promotion and raise have added to the controversy, as Collins is now accused of benefiting from her relationship with Adams while neglecting her job responsibilities.

In addition to her DOE job, Collins has been referenced in legal documents concerning Adams. In a recent 57-page federal indictment against the mayor, Collins is identified as Adams’ “domestic partner,” further linking her to his political career and potential legal troubles.

Investigations Underway Into Alleged Conflicts of Interest

As the investigation unfolds, various city agencies are now involved in reviewing the allegations against Collins. The DOE’s ethics officer, Samantha Biletsky, has received complaints that Collins’ absence from work and her acceptance of travel gifts, including perks valued at more than $100,000 from foreign governments, have not been properly disclosed on her Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) forms.

A former DOE employee, who brought forward some of these complaints, expressed concern in an email to Biletsky, stating, “It is my understanding that DOE employees are only permitted to work from home two days a week.” This statement raises questions about whether Collins has been abiding by work-from-home policies or if she has simply abandoned her responsibilities.

Allegations of Undisclosed Travel Perks and Ethics Violations

The allegations also detail specific instances of Collins’ travel upgrades. In January 2018, she accompanied Adams on a trip to Budapest, traveling through Istanbul, where her economy ticket was upgraded to business class. This upgrade, valued at over $14,000, was reportedly arranged by an Adams staffer. Similarly, during a 2019 trip to Turkey, Jordan, and Oman, Collins’ seat was upgraded to one worth at least $7,000.

Further complicating the issue, a Turkish entrepreneur who later became a senior staffer in Adams’ administration played a role in facilitating these travel upgrades. Questions have been raised about whether these travel perks were properly disclosed and whether they present a conflict of interest, particularly given Collins’ close relationship with Adams.

City Officials and Ethics Board Involvement

The city’s COIB is now tasked with evaluating the potential conflicts of interest surrounding Collins’ travel and her DOE position. COIB executive director Carolyn Lisa Miller, however, has emphasized that the board is prohibited from commenting on the conduct of public servants until a final determination is made. “We are currently reviewing and evaluating the allegations,” an SCI spokesperson confirmed, signaling that the investigation is ongoing.

Collins’ case is also under review by the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools and the Department of Investigation, as multiple agencies seek to uncover the full scope of her potential violations.

Conclusion: Allegations Cloud Adams’ Administration

As the investigation continues, the complaints against Tracey Collins have cast a shadow over her role within the DOE and her relationship with Mayor Adams.

With accusations of a no-show job and undisclosed travel perks valued at more than $100,000, the case is now in the hands of city ethics officials and investigators.

Whether Collins’ alleged absence from work and failure to report travel benefits will result in formal charges remains to be seen, but the situation adds another layer of controversy to Adams’ administration.