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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Citing Abuse of Power, DeBlasio Fires Investigations Chief

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New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio fired his embattled investigations commissioner, Mark G. Peters, on Friday, in what some see as the culmination of a fierce rivalry between the two powerful men.

“It was a rare and consequential action by a mayor to remove an investigations commissioner: The position is understood to come with a large degree of independence that allows impartial scrutiny of all areas of government, including the executive branch,” is how the New York Times reported it. “But the relationship between Mr. Peters and the mayor had severely deteriorated over time, and the last straw was an independent investigator’s report that found that Mr. Peters had abused his power and mistreated underlings, and said that he was “cavalier with the truth.”

de Blasio announced that he has nominated Margaret Garnett to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Investigation. Garnett currently serves as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in the Office of the New York State Attorney General, where she supervises more than 150 prosecutors and 130 criminal investigators while advising the Attorney General on criminal justice policy.

“Margaret has spent decades protecting the public’s interest, prosecuting criminals both inside and outside of government. She is fiercely dedicated to defending what’s right and will bring that independence and integrity to the Department of Investigation. I thank Mark Peters for his service and look forward to the City Council’s consideration of Ms. Garnett’s appointment,” said de Blasio.

Prior to her time with the New York State Attorney General, Garnett spent 12 years as a federal prosecutor in the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where she was responsible for prosecuting gang violence, racketeering, organized crime, violent crime, international terror and tax fraud.

As DOI Commissioner, Garnett will use her experience to protect New York City taxpayers and residents from fraud, waste and abuse.

“Nothing matters more than integrity in public service. As Commissioner for the Department of Investigation, I will make it my mission to ensure that everyone working for New York City adheres to the highest standard of ethics and is deserving of the public’s trust,” said Garnett. “I am honored and excited to lead this important, independent office, filled with distinguished professionals who carry out their mission with integrity and dedication every day. Throughout my career I have been an advocate for justice, cracking down on public corruption, organized crime and financial fraud. That unwavering commitment to doing what is right – often in the public eye – will only continue during my service at the Department of Investigation.”

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