New York Mayor Adams Charged in Federal Corruption Case

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain and Brooklyn borough president, has found himself at the center of numerous challenges and controversies since taking office in 2022. As the city's second Black mayor, Adams campaigned on a platform of public safety and economic recovery, promising to bring a fresh perspective to City Hall. He’s focused on economic recovery, public health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and famously, crime.

But recent allegations from the federal government seem to make a hypocrite out of the tough-on-crime mayor. Adams now faces federal criminal charges of bribery, wire fraud, and illegal campaign donations, marking the first time a sitting mayor of the nation's largest city has been criminally charged while in office. Let’s rewind to a couple of years ago when the investigation began.

FBI Investigates Adams

Last November, FBI agents seized Adams' electronic devices as part of a long-running federal corruption investigation and searched those devices. They suspected him of accepting illegal donations, including from the Turkish government. This investigation focused on whether Adams' campaign conspired with a Brooklyn construction company to funnel foreign money through a straw-donor scheme.

During the search and seizure, Adams was not carrying his personal phone. He produced the phone the next day after being subpoenaed. However, the device was locked, and Adams claimed that he had changed the password the day before the FBI's search, increasing it from four to six digits, purportedly to prevent his staff from deleting anything on the phone. Adams then said he had forgotten the new password and was unable to unlock the phone.

The search of Adams' electronic devices was part of a broader investigation to uncover potential evidence related to allegations of illegal campaign donations and other corrupt activities. It included searches of the homes and devices of other senior aides and their relatives, as federal authorities sought to uncover the full extent of any corrupt activities.

Indignant Against Indictment

On Wednesday, Mayor Adams was indicted after a prolonged federal corruption investigation. The indictment marked a significant development in the larger investigation, making Adams the first sitting mayor of New York City to face criminal charges while in office.

In a video statement the same day, Adams declared his innocence and expressed his determination to remain in office while contesting the charges. He emphasized his commitment to leading the city and stated that the charges were based on falsehoods. He asserted that any charges brought against him would be "entirely false, based on lies." He expressed his desire for an immediate trial to allow New Yorkers to hear the truth and to clear his name.

Despite the growing pressure from within his own party, Adams refuses to step down. Prominent Democratic politicians, including U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, called for his resignation in light of the indictment. However, Adams remained defiant, insisting that he was elected to lead the city and would continue to do so while fighting the charges.

Adams Denounced by Colleagues

When the 57-page indictment was unsealed, it ended up costing Adams some important political friends.

The mayor was charged with bribery, wire fraud, and seeking illegal campaign donations. The charges stem from his "corrupt relationships" with wealthy foreigners. It alleges Adams accepted bribes (free travel, hotel stays, and illegal campaign money) from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official in exchange for political favors. The indictment claims Adams pressured the city fire department to speed up the opening of a new Turkish consular building, despite it failing a fire inspection.

Following the charges, a slew of resignations by top city officials entangled Adams' administration. Among them were Police Commissioner Edward Caban, public schools Chancellor David Banks, and even Adams' chief legal adviser, who cited an inability to serve effectively.

Federal and state government officials denounce Adams' conduct as a betrayal of public trust. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called the indictment "the latest in a disturbing pattern of events."

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams denounced Adams' conduct as a betrayal of the public trust. He warned that the indictment against Adams would probably not be the last, indicating that the investigation continues and more people could be held accountable.

What Adams Can Expect

The case is likely to complicate Adams' bid for re-election.

Several Democratic politicians, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and former governor Andrew M. Cuomo, expressed interest in challenging Adams for the party's nomination. If Adams were forced out of office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become mayor. This potential shift in leadership has led to mixed reactions from the city's business community.

As the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, the FBI, and the city's Department of Investigation continue to probe Adams' administration, New Yorkers will have to wait to find out the political future of their city.

Related Resources:

• How to Run for Mayor (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
• What Is Bribery? (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
• What Is Wire Fraud? (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)