Justice Department Urges Dismissal of Corruption Charges Against New York Mayor Eric Adams
The Justice Department has recommended dropping corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted for alleged foreign influence and bribery, citing interference with his reelection campaign.
The Justice Department on Monday advised federal prosecutors in New York to dismiss corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. The mayor, who was indicted in September, faced allegations of being under illegal foreign influence and accepting bribes through campaign donations and luxury travel perks.
According to the memo from acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove, the decision to drop the charges was not based on the evidence presented or the theory of the case. Instead, it was determined that the ongoing case could interfere with Adams's reelection efforts and his capacity to focus on tackling illegal immigration and violent crime in New York City. The memo was obtained by The Washington Post.
Bove suggested that the charges should be dismissed "without prejudice," allowing for the possibility of the indictment being brought again in the future.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York did not provide a comment. President Donald Trump has voiced support for Adams despite some officials and residents in New York calling for Adams's resignation due to the charges.
The accusations against Adams include wire fraud, bribery, and seeking illegal campaign donations, with prosecutors alleging that he maintained problematic relationships with wealthy foreigners. He reportedly accepted travel upgrades, luxury hotel accommodations, and other benefits from Turkish businesspeople and at least one government official.
Moreover, prosecutors claimed that Adams improperly intervened in a fire department inspection, directing personnel to issue safety certification for a newly constructed Turkish consular building that was not compliant with safety codes and was opened prematurely.
Adams has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has resisted calls to step down. While battling these allegations, he has continued to campaign for reelection this year, with his trial set for late April, just before the June primary.
His attendance at Trump's inauguration attracted criticism, as it conflicted with previously scheduled commitments in New York for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Adams defended his decision by emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections to the White House for the benefit of the city, stating he would refrain from publicly criticizing Trump.
During the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner on October 18, both Trump and Adams were present among other political figures. Trump addressed the mayor's situation directly in his speech, relating it to his own experiences with the Justice Department.
This is a developing story that will continue to be updated.
