Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and her husband, Chris Hu, were arrested Tuesday morning at their Long Island home.
The FBI had searched the Manhasset home in July. Officials have not alleged Hochul or Sun’s work in the governor’s office is connected to the arrest in any way.
Avi Small, Hochul’s press secretary, said in a statement to ABC News, “This individual was hired by the Executive Chamber more than a decade ago. We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks to the press after attending a meeting with President Joe Biden and other Democratic governors at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 3, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters, FILE
Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York and the FBI confirmed the arrests.
Sun worked in state government for about 15 years before she was fired last year from her job as deputy commissioner for strategic business development at the New York State Department of Labor. She was fired after evidence of misconduct was found.
She previously served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff and in the administration of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The charges remained sealed until later Tuesday when Sun and Hu are expected to make an initial appearance in Brooklyn federal court.
Former aide to New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Linda Sun, has been arrested months after her home was raided by the FBI. The arrest comes as a shock to many who knew Sun as a dedicated and hardworking member of Hochul’s team.
Sun, who served as a policy advisor to Hochul, was taken into custody on charges of fraud and conspiracy. The details of the allegations have not been made public, but sources close to the investigation have indicated that they are related to Sun’s time working for Hochul.
The FBI raid on Sun’s home took place several months ago, and at the time, it was unclear what the agency was looking for. However, it now appears that the raid was part of an ongoing investigation into Sun’s activities while working for Hochul.
Hochul, who is currently serving as the Governor of New York following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation, has not commented on Sun’s arrest. However, sources close to the Lieutenant Governor have indicated that she is shocked and saddened by the news.
Sun’s arrest serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of working in politics. While many individuals enter public service with the best of intentions, the pressures and temptations of the job can sometimes lead them down a dangerous path.
As the investigation into Sun’s alleged crimes continues, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on Hochul’s administration. The Lieutenant Governor has worked hard to establish herself as a capable and trustworthy leader, and this scandal could potentially tarnish her reputation.
In the meantime, Sun will have to face the consequences of her actions and answer to the charges brought against her. It is a sad turn of events for someone who was once seen as a rising star in New York politics, but serves as a cautionary tale for others in positions of power.
