Mayor Eric Adams Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Bribery Charges \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges, rejecting allegations that he accepted campaign donations, luxury travel, and other perks in exchange for favors. Adams vowed to stay in office, despite growing calls for his resignation. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, plans to file a motion to dismiss the case.
Eric Adams’ Bribery Case: Quick Looks
- Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to charges of accepting $100,000 in luxury travel and campaign donations from foreign interests.
- The indictment alleges Adams helped Turkish officials in exchange for illegal campaign contributions.
- Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, criticized the charges, calling them “airline upgrade corruption.”
- The mayor faces five counts, including wire fraud and bribery, with a potential 20-year prison sentence for the most serious charge.
- Adams has vowed to remain in office, despite calls for resignation from political figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Deep Look:
New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Friday, rejecting accusations that he accepted illegal campaign donations, luxury travel, and other perks from foreign interests in exchange for political favors. The charges, part of a five-count indictment, have shaken the political landscape of the nation’s largest city and prompted growing calls for Adams to resign. However, the first-term mayor has vowed to fight the allegations and remain in office.
Adams, a former NYPD captain, entered his plea in a packed courtroom just blocks from City Hall. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, indicated that they will move to dismiss the case next week, maintaining that Adams has done nothing wrong. The indictment alleges that Adams, 64, accepted over $100,000 in luxury flights, hotel stays, and meals from individuals tied to Turkey, as well as illegal campaign contributions that helped him qualify for $10 million in public campaign funds.
Adams, who ran for office on a platform of public safety and middle-class values, is accused of using his political position for personal gain during his time as Brooklyn borough president and as mayor. The indictment alleges that Adams conspired with Turkish officials and businessmen to receive lavish perks and funnel illegal foreign donations to his campaign through straw donors—violating U.S. laws that prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to American political campaigns.
Prosecutors claim Adams used his influence to benefit Turkish interests, including allegedly helping Turkey’s diplomatic mission in New York avoid a fire inspection it was expected to fail. According to the indictment, a Turkish official called Adams a “true friend of Turkey,” to which Adams allegedly responded, “You are my brother.” In exchange for these favors, the indictment suggests Adams was rewarded with international trips and luxurious stays in destinations like France, China, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker ordered Adams released with the condition that he avoid contact with any witnesses or individuals listed in the indictment, except for members of his family and staff. However, Parker cautioned the mayor against discussing the case with anyone involved, warning that any violation could result in additional charges.
Adams left the courtroom without making a public statement, allowing his lawyer to address the crowd outside. Spiro, a high-profile defense attorney who has represented celebrities like Elon Musk, Alec Baldwin, and Jay-Z, called the case “an airline upgrade corruption case” and argued that it was neither unusual nor improper for elected officials to accept some travel perks. He maintained that Adams never knowingly accepted illegal donations and said the favors Adams provided were simply part of his duties as mayor.
The bribery case comes after months of investigations, searches, and subpoenas targeting Adams’ campaign finances and his ties to foreign nationals. In September, federal agents seized electronic devices from Adams’ close aides, including the police commissioner, schools chancellor, and deputy mayors, as part of broader inquiries into city government operations. Both the police commissioner and the schools chancellor have since resigned, though neither has been charged with any crimes.
The charges have prompted a wave of political fallout, with some calling for Adams to step down. Among those pushing for his resignation is Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as several potential challengers in next June’s mayoral primary and members of the Republican Party. Despite this, top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, have refrained from asking for Adams’ resignation, saying the legal process should unfold.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who holds the power to remove Adams from office, has not directly called for his resignation but indicated she is reviewing her “options and obligations.” Hochul, a Democrat who has often aligned herself with Adams on key issues, suggested the mayor should “find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served.”
The investigation surrounding Adams is ongoing, and U.S. Attorney Damian Williams warned that more charges could follow as the case develops. “This investigation continues,” Williams said on Thursday. “We continue to dig, and we will hold more people accountable.” The case has drawn parallels to other high-profile corruption cases in New York, including those involving former President Donald Trump and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who were both tried in nearby Manhattan courtrooms.
Adams’ next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho, who will oversee the case moving forward. If convicted of the most serious charge, wire fraud, Adams faces up to 20 years in prison. His political future now hangs in the balance as he fights to clear his name while maintaining his duties as mayor.
Despite the allegations, Adams has signaled his intention to remain in office, dismissing calls for his resignation as premature. He continues to focus on his mayoral responsibilities, which include overseeing public safety, managing the city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and addressing ongoing issues like affordable housing and homelessness.
As the legal battle unfolds, Adams faces not only the court of law but also the court of public opinion, where the weight of the allegations and his response will undoubtedly shape his political legacy.
Mayor Eric Adams
