Jake Pearson

I’m an investigative reporter covering the intersection of business and government.

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What I Cover

I cover the intersection of business and government.

My Background

I’ve conducted metro, campaign finance and national political investigations for ProPublica since 2018. Last year, I investigated New York’s troubled guardianship system and found that it was failing thousands of elderly and infirm people who could not care for themselves. My stories prompted the state attorney general to launch an investigation and the courts to appoint a special counsel to oversee changes. Other work has spurred criminal prosecutions and oversight hearings and has been recognized with various journalism awards.

Previously, I worked for The Associated Press, NBC News and the New York Daily News.

New York Trusted This Company to Care for the Sick and Elderly. Instead, It Left People Confused and Alone.

Unchanged diapers. Fees collected for care never given. New York Guardianship Services is often tasked with caring for the "unbefriended," but records show more than a dozen cases where it failed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.

March 12, 2024, 6:00 am EDT
He Defended the NYPD in Court. Then They Arrested Him.

For 11 years, Karl Ashanti represented New York City cops in civil-rights cases. Then he was charged with a crime he didn’t commit.

December 20, 2022, 8:00 am EST
Top FEC Official’s Undisclosed Ties to Trump Raise Concerns Over Agency Neutrality

A top Federal Election Commission official, whose division regulates campaign cash, has shown support for President Trump and has close ties to his 2016 campaign attorney, Don McGahn. Experts said the actions raise questions about impartiality.

October 28, 2020, 5:00 am EDT