Judge Dismisses Corruption Case Against New York City Mayor Adams, Cites Political Interference
U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho granted the dismissal “with prejudice,” meaning the charges cannot be revived—a decision that spares Adams from governing under the shadow of potential prosecution.
A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, siding with an unusual request from the Justice Department to drop the charges so the Democratic mayor could assist with former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho granted the dismissal “with prejudice,” meaning the charges cannot be revived—a decision that spares Adams from governing under the shadow of potential prosecution.
However, Ho sharply criticised the move, suggesting it appeared to be a political bargain, according to the Associated Press.
“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote in his order. He called it “disturbing” that public officials could receive prosecutorial leniency by aligning with an administration’s policy goals.
The Justice Department had sought a dismissal “without prejudice,” which would have left open the possibility of refiling charges.
But Ho rejected that option, warning it could create the perception that Adams’ freedom depended on his compliance with Trump’s immigration agenda.
“Dismissing the case without prejudice would create the unavoidable perception that the mayor’s freedom depends on his ability to carry out the immigration enforcement priorities of the administration,” Ho wrote.
The dismissal follows months of legal and political upheaval. The case, initially brought during President Joe Biden’s administration, accused Adams of accepting illegal campaign contributions and favours from a Turkish official in exchange for political favours, including fast-tracking a diplomatic building’s approval without proper fire inspections. Adams pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence throughout.
But after Trump took office, the Justice Department abruptly moved to drop the case, prompting several career prosecutors to resign in protest.
Among them was then-acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who refused to comply, arguing she could not justify a dismissal based on political considerations.
The decision also sent shockwaves through New York politics. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, reportedly considered removing Adams from office but ultimately opted against it, fearing it would be undemocratic.
With New York’s Democratic primary just three months away, Adams now faces a crowded field of challengers, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democrats who argue he is too indebted to Trump to govern independently.
Adams has denied any improper influence, stating, “I am solely beholden to the 8.3 million New Yorkers that I represent, and I will always put this city first.”
The Justice Department, in a statement, called the case “an example of political weaponization and a waste of resources.”
However, critics view the dismissal as a stark example of prosecutorial power being wielded for political ends—a concern that Judge Ho emphasised in his ruling.
“The court cannot force prosecutors to move forward,” Ho wrote, “but the circumstances here raise serious questions about the integrity of the process.”
Adams declined to comment on the dismissal Wednesday, leaving the legal and political fallout to unfold as the mayoral race heats up.
