The evidence presented in court revealed that from 2015 to 2021, Harris solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from contractors in exchange for awarding contracts at various NYCHA developments.
Joy Harris, a former superintendent with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), was convicted of bribery and extortion for accepting cash from contractors in exchange for no-bid contracts. The verdict, reached by a jury after a week-long trial, comes as part of a larger crackdown on corruption within the agency.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced the conviction, stating, “Joy Harris’s abuse of her position betrayed her duty to NYCHA residents and the taxpayers of New York City. This unanimous verdict sends a clear message: public officials who exploit their power for personal gain will be held accountable.”
The evidence presented in court revealed that from 2015 to 2021, Harris solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from contractors in exchange for awarding contracts at various NYCHA developments. Operating under a system that allowed her to bypass competitive bidding for smaller contracts, she demanded payments that typically amounted to 10% of the contract value, resulting in significant personal gain at the expense of public trust.
Harris faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, with sentencing set for February 26, 2025. Her conviction is part of a broader investigation that has already seen 55 of the 70 defendants charged in a February 2024 sweep plead guilty or face trial.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public institutions, with strong support from various investigative agencies. Williams commended the collaboration among the New York City Department of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other federal partners in bringing this case to trial.
