NEW YORK– New York Mayor Eric Adams 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.”
The mayor waived a public reading of the charges during his court appearance before entering his plea.
“I am not guilty, your honor,” Adams told the judge.
Adams was released on bail, but circumstances could limit his communication with family or staff.
The mayor did not speak to reporters waiting outside the courthouse. Instead, he stood next to his lawyer addressing the media.
“We have informed the court that we will be filing a motion to dismiss next week. We expect these charges will be dismissed,” attorney Alex Spiro said.
Adams left Gracie Mansion on Friday morning and arrived at the courthouse around 8:45 a.m., giving a thumbs up to reporters gathered outside. His arraignment was scheduled for noon, at which time he was processed and read his rights before entering the plea.
The mayor has maintained his innocence 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 Gracie Mansion on Thursday.
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.
CBS News New York has team reporting from the Pearl Street courthouse in Manhattan, including reporter Alice Gainer, who also covered the Sean “Diddy” Combs was arraigned there last weekAnd former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez indictment federal bribery indictment exactly one year ago.
Indictment against New York Mayor Eric Adams revealed
Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP
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
Ted Shaffrey/AP
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.
Alice Gainer contributed to this report.
