Mayor Adams pleads not guilty to bribery, corruption charges

September 27, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty for federal bribery and public corruption charges, appearing for his arraignment in federal court in Manhattan on Friday with U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker, the Associated Press reports.

An indictment unsealed on Thursday morning, Sept. 26, accuses Adams of exploiting a relationship over several years with people having ties with Turkey, who provided him with free flights, hotel stays and luxuries. He is accused also of using donations to qualify for more than $10 million in public campaign funds. U.S. law prohibits people who aren’t U.S. citizens from donating to political candidates.

The indictment named five counts: wire fraud, bribery, two counts of receiving campaign contributions from a foreign national and conspiracy. If convicted of wire fraud, Adams faces up to 20 years in prison. His defense attorney, prominent Quinn Emanuel lawyer Alex Spiro, said he will move next week to have the charges dismissed.

Spiro and the prosecutors have agreed to release Mayor Adams “on his own signature,” provided that he refrain from contacting any witnesses or individuals in the indictment. He is permitted to speak with his family and staff but not about any matter pertaining to the allegations.

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