By New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Friday, pleading not guilty to federal bribery charges that have sent shockwaves through the nation’s largest city. The first-term Democrat firmly rejected allegations that he accepted overseas travel, campaign cash, and other perks from foreign interests seeking to leverage his influence.
Adams, 64, a former police captain, entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker in a packed courtroom just a short walk from City Hall. The mayor is charged with five counts: wire fraud, bribery, conspiracy, and two counts of receiving campaign contributions from a foreign national. If convicted of the most serious charge, wire fraud, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
The indictment, revealed a day earlier, accuses Adams of accepting $100,000 in flights and stays in luxury hotel suites from individuals tied to Turkey. Prosecutors allege that these perks, valued at over $100,000, included business-class upgrades, high-end meals, and even a trip to a Turkish bath. Additionally, Adams is accused of fueling his mayoral campaign with illegal donations that helped him qualify for more than $10 million in public campaign funds.
In return for these favors, Adams allegedly assisted his benefactors, including helping to ensure that Turkey’s newly built diplomatic tower in Manhattan would not be subject to a fire inspection it was certain to fail. The indictment cites an exchange where a Turkish official praised Adams as a “true friend of Turkey,” to which Adams allegedly responded, “Yes even more a true friend of yours. You are my brother.”
Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, announced plans to move for dismissal of the case next week. Following the arraignment, Spiro addressed reporters outside the courthouse, describing the charges as “the airline upgrade corruption case” and questioning the legitimacy of the prosecution.
The mayor was released on the condition that he not contact any witnesses or individuals described in the indictment. He is allowed to communicate with family members and staff but not about matters pertaining to the allegations.
As Adams appeared in court, the investigation into his administration continued. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, one of the mayor’s closest City Hall advisers, was met by investigators at the airport upon returning from Japan. She was served with a subpoena, and local prosecutors seized her phones and searched her house.
The case has roiled New York City politics, with growing calls for Adams to resign, including from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and potential Democratic challengers in the upcoming mayoral primary. However, top Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries have not called for his resignation, advocating for the legal process to unfold.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, issued a statement saying she was reviewing her “options and obligations” and expects the mayor to “take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward.”
As the legal proceedings continue, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams indicated that the investigation is ongoing, suggesting the possibility of further charges and encouraging individuals with information to come forward.
The case against Adams unfolds against the backdrop of other high-profile legal matters in the same courthouse, including recent proceedings involving former President Donald Trump and hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, underscoring the significant legal challenges facing prominent figures in New York City.
AP
