New York City Mayor Eric Adams returned to court on Friday as he battles corruption charges that threaten both his political future and his administration.
The hearing at the Manhattan federal courthouse saw Adams’ legal team arguing for the dismissal of a bribery charge among five counts against him, contending that the allegations do not meet the necessary federal standards for a crime.
The indictment claims that Adams accepted over $100,000 in luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals seeking to influence him.
In return, prosecutors allege that Adams provided political favors, including hastening the opening of a consulate building that had been flagged as unsafe by fire inspectors.
Adams has pleaded not guilty and insists he will remain in office while mounting his defense.
Before Friday’s hearing ended, U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho said the case will go to trial on April 21, 2025.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to reporters after a news conference in New York, Sept. 30, 2024. He is scheduled to return to court Friday as he seeks to fend off federal corruption charges.
Seth Wenig/AP, file
Was Adams Given a Bribe or a Gratuity?
U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho has allotted each side 20 minutes to present their arguments regarding the bribery charge.
In a ruling late Thursday, Judge Ho denied Adams’ request for a hearing concerning his allegations that the government has leaked information about the investigation to the press, stating that Adams and his attorneys failed to provide sufficient evidence to support these claims.
Adams’ legal team has characterized the bribery charge as “extraordinarily vague,” arguing that the perks he received were simply “classic gratuities” and should not fall under the bribery statute, especially as recent Supreme Court rulings suggest such gifts are permissible if given for past actions.
In contrast, federal prosecutors assert that Adams’ acceptance of benefits from a foreign diplomat was clearly criminal behavior.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks, lights a candle, and signs the peace wall at an interfaith gathering at City Hall, Oct. 29, 2024. Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption and has vowed to remain in office as he mounts his legal defense.
Luiz Rampelotto/EuropaNewswire/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
False Documentation
“It should be clear from the face of the indictment that there is nothing routine about a public official accepting over $100,000 in benefits,” they stated, accusing Adams of attempting to conceal his actions by creating false documentation.
While Judge Ho is expected to consider the arguments on the motion to dismiss the bribery charge, it remains uncertain when he will deliver his ruling.
At a previous hearing, prosecutors hinted that they might bring additional charges against Adams and could indict associates linked to him.
Will His Political Career Survive?
Several of Adams’ top aides, including key figures like the police commissioner and schools chancellor, have resigned in the wake of coordinated searches conducted by federal investigators in early September.
Despite the legal turmoil, Adams has asserted that he can effectively govern the city while addressing the charges.
Nevertheless, his political standing is precarious, with several challengers already announcing their intention to contest him in next year’s mayoral primary.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.
Update 11/01/24 4:02 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include information about Adams’ trial date.
