Top prosecutor who convicted R.Kelly nominated by Mamdani to lead Department of Investigations
A former federal prosecutor has been nominated by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lead the Department of Investigations.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani nominated former federal prosecutor Nadia Shihata to the role of commissioner of the Department of Investigations.
If confirmed by the City Council, Shihata would become the first woman of color to hold the role.
"There will be zero tolerance for self-enrichment or corruption in my city hall," said Mayor Mamdani.
The commissioner of the DOI's job includes oversight of a body that is tasked with rooting out corruption, fraud, waste and abuse in city government, according to the mayor.
Shihata's experience includes more than a decade of service as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. In the role of chief of the Organized Crime and Gangs section, she supervised racketeering, violent crime investigations, and prosecutions.
While working in the office's public integrity unit, she oversaw public corruption cases including bribery, fraud, theft of government funds, money laundering and drug trafficking by correctional officers. That specific experience will prove to be an asset in her job duties in the DOI.
"She will hold the responsibility of investigating any agency officer, elected official or employee of the city who does not fulfill the public trust, as well as leading investigations into those who do business with or receive benefits from the city," the mayor said.
Most recently, Shihata co-founded a law firm, Shihata & Geddes LLP, now known as Corva Law LLP, that specializes in sexual violence and harassment, victims of law enforcement misconduct and those under investigation by the government.
Shihata's expansive resume includes the prosecution of R&B musician R. Kelly, who is serving a 30-year sentence after being convicted on federal racketeering and related charges.
"At its best, DOI helps ensure that city government can tackle big challenges effectively and efficiently while operating with integrity, accountability and fairness for all New Yorkers, no matter their background, economic status, or proximity to power. If confirmed by the City Council, I will lead DOI with independence, fairness and transparency alongside the dedicated professionals at DOI who carry out this essential work every day," said Shihata.
