In a surprising turn of events, Lisa Zornberg, Chief Counsel to Mayor Eric Adams, has tendered her resignation amidst a disagreement over the removal of three key aides facing federal scrutiny. Sources indicate that Zornberg had recommended the departure of Phil Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety; Tim Pearson, a powerful advisor responsible for migrant contracting; and Winnie Greco, the city's director of Asian Affairs. However, Mayor Adams hesitated to take action, prompting Zornberg's decision to step down.

Sources familiar with the matter reveal that Zornberg had been contemplating leaving the increasingly troubled administration due to its chaotic state. Her frustration reached its pinnacle when Mayor Adams resisted her advice to dismiss the trio of aides, despite their mounting legal issues. Zornberg's resignation was made public late Saturday, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind her sudden departure.

The decision to resign was conveyed through a resignation letter wherein Zornberg expressed her inability to effectively serve in her position any longer. It is worth noting that no significant evidence emerged over the weekend that directly influenced her shocking exit, according to an inside source.

Insiders with knowledge of Zornberg's departure paint a picture of a mayor unwilling to sever ties with aides who are potentially problematic, even after their homes were dramatically raided by federal agents. Zornberg, a former federal prosecutor at the Southern District of New York, had advised Banks to take a similar course of action as former NYPD commissioner Edward Caban, who had recently stepped down under pressure from City Hall after federal agents seized his electronic devices.

Furthermore, Zornberg raised ethical concerns about representing Pearson and Greco after discovering that they had individually provided false information on financial disclosure forms. Greco had not previously disclosed her sources of income and even listed an incorrect address. Her residence was raided by federal agents in February as part of a separate investigation related to a potential illegal straw donor scheme.

Regarding Pearson, Zornberg expressed concern that he failed to disclose his dual employment with both the city and Resorts World Casino. The New York Daily News was the first to report Zornberg's recommendation for Pearson's dismissal.

Allegations of wrongdoing have surrounded Pearson for some time. A sexual harassment lawsuit against him claimed that he aimed to exploit his position overseeing city agencies in order to obtain lucrative migrant contracts. FBI agents have reportedly interviewed officers within Pearson's office, focusing on his involvement in city contracts and possible kickbacks.

Zornberg's calendars obtained by The Post reveal her involvement in advising Pearson on migrant contracting. The records document several meetings dedicated to migrant issues, as well as conflict of interest trainings and other unspecified calls. Additionally, discrepancies in Pearson's schedule suggest incomplete records or recurring meetings with officials who had already left their posts.

The news of Zornberg's refusal to support Pearson's actions has been received positively by some lawmakers, who assert that accountability for his misconduct is long overdue. Council Lincoln Restler, who held a hearing in May to address the mishandling of Pearson's sexual harassment cases by the Adams administration, expressed satisfaction with Zornberg's change of stance.

As of now, Lisa Zornberg has not made any public comments regarding her resignation, and Mayor Adams declined to provide any details during an unrelated press conference when questioned about Zornberg's abrupt departure. The city now faces the challenge of filling the void left by Zornberg's departure and addressing the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the embattled aides.