Johnny Nunez/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Rachel Noerdlinger, the Chief of Staff to the wife of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, announced Monday she would take a leave of absence in order to spend more time with her son, Khari, who was recently arrested for criminal trespassing.
Noerdlinger thanked de Blasio and his wife Chirlane McCray for their “unwavering support.”
In addition to her son’s arrest, Noerdlinger recently come under criticism when it was revealed that she had omitted her relationship with an ex-convict during a background check.
“I can handle criticism and scrutiny of me,” Noerdlinger said in a statement, “even when it’s mean-spirited…but increasingly, my son has been subjected to attacks that have nothing to do with the public interest, and everything to do with derailing this administration.” She also said that she didn’t want to be “a distraction.”
Last month, an official told ABC News that a probe into Noerdlinger’s background check had been launched.
“These past two months have been extremely difficult for both of us,” Noerdlinger said, “and his arrest on Friday heightens the need for me to devote my full attention to Khari, my number one priority.”
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