New York Mayor Eric Adams arrives for arraignment following federal indictment

NEW YORK– New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrived for trial and was arraigned on Federal bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance charges Friday.

Prosecutors say he abused his power for nearly a decade, putting the interests of foreign nationals ahead of those of his own constituents.

Adams denied the accusations made in a a sprawling 57-page indictmentmaintaining his innocence and saying he was ready to fight the charges in court.

“I respect the rules, I respect the law. I don’t do anything that could participate in illegal electoral activities,” he said in a press conference outside Gracie Mansion.

His arraignment is scheduled for Friday at 12 p.m. If convicted on all five counts, he faces up to 45 years in prison.

Indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams unveiled

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 undisclosed trip dates back to 2016, totaling more than $100,000.

“Year after year he kept the public in the dark, he told the public he didn’t receive any gifts, even though he secretly received them.” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams..

Prosecutors say the illegal campaign contributions came from straw donors, meaning people who contribute someone else’s money to hide the illegal source. In exchange for the illicit profits, Adams is accused of using his influence to pressure the FDNY to open a new skyscraper housing the Turkish consulate in Manhattan, despite security concerns.

“Laws designed to ensure that public 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 hide his criminal conduct, claiming his campaign fundraiser “called Adams five times” while she the FBI was at his door with a search warrant. According to the indictment, she then spoke to FBI agents but “refused to say who paid for her 2021 trip to Turkey.”

Prosecutors say another staffer agreed to speak to the FBI, but “then excused herself to go to the bathroom and, while there, deleted the encrypted messaging apps she had used to communicate with the mayor”.

New York Mayor Eric Adams under pressure

Faces of Adams growing calls for resignationmany question his ability to defend himself and continue to lead the city, but he has also gained support from longtime supporters. He has repeatedly said he plans to continue his job as mayor.

“Wait until you hear our defense before passing any judgment,” he said Thursday.

What’s next for him remains unclear, but as public pressure mounts, many are wondering whether New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will intervene. Under state law, she has the power to remove him from office.

In a statement released Thursday evening, Hochul called it “an extremely difficult day for New York City,” adding that “this indictment is the latest in a series of disturbing events that have rightly contributed to a sense of unease among many New Yorkers. “

“My goal is to protect the people of New York and ensure the stability of the city. As I consider my options and obligations as Governor of New York, I expect the Mayor to take the over the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure that the people of New York City are well served by their leaders,” she said.

If the mayor were to resign or be impeached, Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Defender 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 unrest, I am committed to working with my elected colleagues and the thousands of incredibly dedicated public servants to ensure our city continues to function in all eventualities,” the public defender said in a statement following the indictment.