New York Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges

NEW YORK – New York Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty federal charges of bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance at his arraignment Friday.

An extensive indictment of 57 pages On Thursday, he revealed allegations that Adams abused his power for nearly a decade, putting the interests of foreigners above those of his own voters.

“I’m not guilty, Your Honor.”

In court, the judge read Adams his rights before refraining from a public reading of the charges and entering his plea.

“I’m not guilty, your honor,” he told the judge.

Adams, who was released on bail, stared straight ahead throughout the proceedings. As he stood to leave, he smiled at a court official but did not look at anyone in the gallery. He did not speak to reporters waiting outside the courthouse. Instead he stood next to his lawyer, who spoke to the media.

Attorney Alex Spiro compared Adams’ situation to the case against former New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjaminwho was charged with bribery and fraud for allegedly accepting campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for his influence over state funds.

“We all remember the Brian Benjamin case. A similar, shaky theory. That case was dismissed. Same prosecutors, same theory. But the spectacle of it is so exciting to them that they wanted to bring another one of these cases,” said Spiro. .

Benjamin resigned after his indictment in April 2022. The charges were dropped eight months laterbut a federal appeals court restored them earlier this year.

“We expect these charges will be dismissed.”

Adams is the first sitting mayor of New York City to be indicted on federal charges. If convicted on all five counts, he faces up to 45 years in prison.

“This case isn’t even a real case. This is the airline upgrade corruption case,” Spiro told reporters, adding: “The entire evidence is one employee. One employee who says that a conversation has taken place. What you haven’t heard yet is that that staffer lied and the government is in possession of that lie.”

The mayor’s attorney said he will file a motion to dismiss the case next week, adding, “We expect these charges will be dismissed.”

The mayor’s next appearance is scheduled for October 2.

Adams arrived hours before his arraignment

Adams left Gracie Mansion and arrived at the courthouse around 8:45 a.m. Friday. On his way out, he gave a thumbs up to the reporters gathered outside.

The arraignment began around noon, when the mayor was processed and entered his not guilty plea.

Adams has maintained his innocence since the charges were filed and said he was prepared to fight the charges in court.

“I follow the rules, I follow the law. I do nothing that contributes to illegal campaign activities,” he said a press conference outside his residence on Thursday.

Indictment against New York Mayor Eric Adams revealed

The indictment accuses the mayor of seeking and accepting improper gifts, such as luxury trips and illegal campaign contributions from wealthy foreign businessmen and at least one Turkish government official since he was Brooklyn borough president. His alleged secret trip dates back to 2016 and totaled more than $100,000.

“Year after year after year, he kept the public in the dark. He told the public that he had not received any gifts, even though he was secretly showered with them.” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams.

Prosecutors say illegal campaign contributions came through straw donors — people who donate someone else’s money to conceal the illegal source. In exchange for the illegal benefits, Adams is accused of using his influence to pressure the FDNY to open a new high-rise complex for the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan, despite security concerns.

“Laws designed to ensure that officials like him serve the people, not the highest bidder, not a foreign bidder, and certainly not a foreign power,” Williams said.

The indictment also details how the mayor allegedly tried to cover up their criminal behavior, saying his fundraising campaign “called Adams five times,” while the FBI showed up at her door with a search warrant. According to the complaint, she then spoke with FBI agents but “refused to say who paid for her 2021 trip to Turkey.”

Prosecutors say another employee agreed to speak with the FBI but then “excused herself to a restroom and, while there, deleted the encrypted messaging applications she had used to communicate with the mayor.”

New York Mayor Eric Adams is under pressure

Adam’s faces increasing calls to resignwith many doubting his ability to defend himself and continue governing the city, but he also received some support from long-time supporters. He has repeatedly said he plans to continue his work as mayor.

“Wait for our defense before passing judgment,” he said Thursday.

What comes next for him remains unclear, but as public pressure mounts, many are wondering whether New York Governor Kathy Hochul will intervene. has the power to remove him from office.

In a statement Thursday evening, Hochul called it “an extremely difficult day for New York City,” adding: “This indictment is the latest in a disturbing pattern of events that have, understandably, contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers . “

“My focus is on protecting the people of New York and ensuring stability in the city. As I review my options and obligations as Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor will take the coming days to assess the situation and find an appropriate solution. path forward to ensure that the people of New York City are well served by their leaders,” she said.

If the mayor resigns or is removed, New York City Public Defender Jumaane Williams would take over on an interim basis. He would then have three days to call a special election, which would have to take place within 80 days.

“As a public advocate, my role is to fight for the transparency, accountability and governance that New Yorkers deserve. In a moment of intense turmoil, I am committed to working with my fellow elected officials and the many thousands of incredibly dedicated public servants to ensure that our city continues to function under all circumstances,” the public defender said in a statement after the indictment.