New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The indictment, released Thursday, accuses Adams of accepting illegal campaign contributions and benefits dating back to 2014, when he was Brooklyn Borough president. Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated, “For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits.”
According to the indictment, Adams received luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official. In exchange, he allegedly pressured the NYC Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a proper fire inspection. The mayor is accused of knowing these contributions were illegal but accepted them regardless. “He knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him,” Williams said.
Adams, who faces his first court appearance Friday, maintains his innocence. He encouraged the public to wait before passing judgment and asserted, “I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city.” His attorney, Alex Spiro, defended the mayor, stating the alleged actions occurred in 2017, years before Adams became mayor, adding, “There is nothing illegal or improper about that.”
The indictment has sparked calls for Adams’ resignation, with prominent figures like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urging him to step down. Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but stopped short of calling for his resignation, saying Adams should “review the situation and find an appropriate path forward.”
The indictment accuses Adams of accepting gifts and illegal campaign contributions, concealing his actions, and pressuring city officials. Federal investigators have also searched the homes of several top aides to the mayor as part of the ongoing investigation.
Link: Fox5NY
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