New York City Mayor Eric Adams Indicted In Corruption Probe
Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has emphasized that he instructed his campaign and administration to adhere to the law.
Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, has been indicted on at least one federal criminal charge.
This indictment stems from months-long federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, reportedly focusing on his ties to Turkish officials and businessmen, as well as the campaign donations he received.
The specifics of the charges remain undisclosed, The New York Times reports.
Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has emphasized that he instructed his campaign and administration to adhere to the law.
“I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target – and a target I became.
“If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” he stated in response to the indictment news on Wednesday night.
Sources familiar with the case suggest that the mayor will have several days to turn himself in, though he is not expected to appear in court on Thursday.
Prosecutors have communicated to his attorneys that he will be summoned to surrender at a later date. At the time the indictment news broke, Adams was at Gracie Mansion, his official residence, and is said to be undeterred and resolute.
This indictment represents a significant fall from grace for Adams, who took office in January 2022 and sought to position himself as a new face for the Democratic Party. He has faced considerable challenges in addressing the city’s pressing issues, including the migrant crisis and subway safety concerns, while also facing criticism over his personal conduct and spending decisions.
With nearly three years into his first term, Adams is confronting federal charges that could jeopardize his political future. When questioned about the possibility of resignation, he asserted, “I’m stepping up, not stepping down.”
Lawyers for Adams recently met with senior Justice Department officials in an attempt to prevent federal charges, having been informed that prosecutors planned to pursue an indictment. The investigation, involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, includes scrutiny of campaign donations from Turkish sources.
The legal troubles for the mayor escalated in September when several top City Hall officials received search warrants, resulting in the seizure of their phones.
This included former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, who was forced to resign. Additionally, Lisa Zornberg, City Hall’s top lawyer, abruptly resigned, citing her inability to “serve effectively” in her position.
The initial signs of trouble for Adams appeared almost a year ago when investigators focused on his chief campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, executing a search warrant at her residence. Although Suggs has not faced charges, the investigation has led to the seizure of numerous electronic devices from various parties connected to the mayor’s campaign.
FBI agents escalated their inquiry when they seized Adams’ cell phones shortly after he delivered a speech in Manhattan. The agents approached him directly, presenting a warrant to confiscate his electronic devices, marking a significant escalation in the investigation into potential foreign campaign financing.
Throughout this process, Adams has maintained his innocence, insisting that he and his team have complied with legal standards. He has acknowledged his ties to the Turkish-American community, having visited Turkey multiple times, including two trips during his tenure as Brooklyn Borough President.
