Shocking! NYC Mayor Eric Adams Accused of Bribery and Wire Fraud in Federal Indictment
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with five federal crimes, including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy, according to a 57-page indictment revealed Thursday morning.
The charges stem from actions dating back to 2014, during his time as Brooklyn Borough president.
The indictment accuses Adams of engaging in illegal activities over nearly a decade. It claims he received luxury international travel and other valuable benefits from wealthy foreign businessmen and a Turkish government official.
These benefits allegedly influenced his decisions, including pressuring the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to approve a Turkish consular building without proper fire inspections.
Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated that Adams “engaged in a long-running conspiracy” and knowingly accepted illegal contributions aimed at buying influence.
The indictment describes Adams’ actions as part of a broader effort by foreign individuals to gain political leverage in New York City.
The first court appearance for Adams is scheduled for Friday, where he will respond to the charges.
In response to the indictment, Adams expressed confidence in his defense and vowed not to let the legal situation interfere with his mayoral duties. He encouraged the public to withhold judgment until all facts were presented.
He remains adamant that he has done nothing wrong and intends to continue his work for the people of New York City.
Alex Spiro, Adams’ attorney, defended his client by pointing out that the allegations involve events from 2017, several years before Adams became mayor.
Spiro emphasized that the travel and expenses mentioned in the indictment were not illegal and accused the prosecution of attempting to create a spectacle.
In an email to city employees, Adams reiterated his innocence, urging staff to remain focused on their duties while his legal team reviews the charges. He assured New Yorkers that he would continue to fight for their interests as their mayor.
The charges come as a significant blow to Adams, who rose to prominence as a former NYPD captain and took office in January 2022 with a tough-on-crime agenda.
He positioned himself as a leader of the Democratic Party and pledged to revitalize New York City following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his tenure has been marked by struggles, including handling the city’s migrant crisis and addressing concerns about public safety.
Despite these challenges, Adams has remained a high-profile figure in New York politics. If he resigns, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will be in charge until a special election is held.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul weighed in on the indictment, calling for Adams to carefully review the situation and consider the best course of action.
While she did not explicitly call for his resignation, Hochul acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and the unease it has caused among New Yorkers.
The New York City Charter outlines mechanisms for removing a mayor from office, including a committee that could be convened in cases where the mayor is deemed incapable of fulfilling their duties. This committee would consist of top city officials, including the city’s top lawyer, City Comptroller Brad Lander, the City Council Speaker, and others.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also expressed concern over the charges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the highest standards for public officials.
The indictment reveals a pattern of behavior, suggesting Adams accepted illegal contributions for his mayoral campaign in 2021. Businesses reportedly skirted city laws banning corporate contributions by funneling donations through multiple employees. The indictment also accuses Adams of receiving free or discounted travel, accommodations, and entertainment from Turkish officials.
The most serious allegation centers on Adams pressuring the FDNY to approve the Turkish consular building without a fire inspection. The indictment claims Adams deleted messages and took steps to conceal his actions.
Federal investigators executed a search warrant at Gracie Mansion, Adams’ official residence, on Thursday morning, spending more than three hours inside.
Adams’ attorney criticized the search, calling it an attempt to create a spectacle and arguing that Adams would have willingly turned over his phone without the need for such measures.
According to sources, Adams had not been formally informed of the indictment when news first broke. Federal prosecutors had informed Adams’ legal team that they planned to file charges, but Adams’ attorneys attempted to prevent the indictment by appealing to senior Justice Department officials. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
The investigation into Adams’ activities began last year and intensified in recent months. Several key members of his staff, including his campaign fundraiser and senior city officials, have faced scrutiny.
Schools Chancellor David Banks and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban both resigned after their phones were seized as part of related investigations.
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Despite the mounting legal troubles, Adams remains defiant, promising to fight the charges and continue his work as mayor.
However, the charges cast a shadow over his political future and raise questions about the integrity of one of the nation’s most prominent mayoral offices.