A federal indictment against New York Mayor Eric Adams was unsealed by a judge on Thursday, accusing him of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. Earlier that day, Adams’s residence was searched.
Adams, who is the first New York City mayor to be criminally charged while in office, released a video statement denying the accusations as “entirely false” and “based on lies.”
He expressed his intention to request an immediate trial to prove his innocence and stated that he will continue to serve as mayor while fighting the charges, despite calls from other officials to resign.
The unsealed indictment claims that Adams exploited the city’s matching funds program by receiving over $10,000 in matching public funds through false certifications resulting from illegal contributions.
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The indictment also accuses Adams of soliciting bribes, including discounted and free travel benefits from the Turkish official, who sought assistance in evading regulations to commission the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
Prosecutors claim that Adams at times paid a “nominal fee” to create the appearance of paying for heavily discounted travel, while instructing others to fabricate paper trails suggesting payment for travel-related benefits.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that Adams deleted messages with co-conspirators and was urged by the Turkish official to pressure the New York City Fire Department to allow the opening of the consulate building despite failing an inspection.
Following news of the pending charges, several Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called for Adams to step down for the city’s benefit. New York City has experienced significant political turmoil, with key officials resigning or retiring amid federal investigations.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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