NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Bribery, Fraud Charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal charges related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, according to a 57-page indictment unsealed Thursday morning, CNN reports.

The indictment alleges that Adams engaged in illegal activities dating back to 2014, during his time as Brooklyn Borough President. The document accuses Adams of receiving luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official and later pressuring the NYC Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a proper inspection in exchange.

“For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him,” the indictment reads.

US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, is scheduled to discuss the indictment at a press conference later today.

In response to the indictment, Mayor Adams stated he was not surprised by the charges and urged the public to “wait to hear our defense before making any judgments.” He maintained that he would not be altering his daily responsibilities despite the allegations.

“I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I’ve done throughout my entire professional career,” Adams said.

The indictment stems from a federal investigation by the US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan into Adams’ connections to Turkish officials and businessmen, as well as campaign donations he received.

The indictment marks a dramatic fall from grace for the mayor of America’s largest city and presents a stunning accusation against one of the nation’s most high-profile offices. Adams, a former NYPD captain, took office in January 2022, presenting himself as a tough-on-crime Democrat, promising to revitalize the city post-pandemic.

However, he has faced criticism for his struggles to address key city challenges, including the migrant crisis and subway safety concerns, as well as for his late-night partying and city spending clashes, particularly on education.

His political career is now in jeopardy following the indictment, with several prominent New York political figures, including US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, calling for his resignation. If Adams were to step down, the city’s public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would assume the mayoral role until a special election is held.

The indictment against Mayor Adams outlines a detailed scheme involving bribery, illegal campaign contributions, and attempts to conceal his actions. It alleges that Adams, while running for mayor in 2018, accepted and sought illegal campaign donations.

Businesses, in violation of city regulations, allegedly funneled contributions through multiple employees to circumvent the ban on corporate donations.

A high-ranking Turkish diplomat, identified as a key figure in facilitating these illegal contributions, also allegedly arranged for Adams and his associates to receive free or discounted travel on Turkey’s state-owned airline. The indictment states that Adams and his group enjoyed free stays in luxurious hotels, free meals at upscale restaurants, and free entertainment while in Turkey.

The indictment further alleges that Adams failed to disclose these travel benefits, which is a violation of New York City employee regulations.

In a blatant attempt to return the favor, the Turkish official reportedly pressured Adams in September 2021, stating that it was “his turn to repay.” This pressure allegedly involved Adams pushing the NYC Fire Department to expedite the opening of a new Turkish consular building without a proper fire inspection.

The indictment claims Adams took action to fulfill this request, effectively using his mayoral authority to benefit the Turkish official.

To cover their tracks, Adams and his co-conspirators allegedly engaged in tactics to conceal their actions, including deleting messages and altering phone passwords.

Adams was at Gracie Mansion, his official residence, when news of his indictment broke Thursday morning. Sources confirmed to CNN that Adams was not formally informed of the indictment prior to the public announcement.

According to sources familiar with the case, Adams has several days to turn himself in. He is not expected to appear in court today. Prosecutors previously informed Adams’ legal team that, if charged, he would be summoned to surrender at a later date.

Federal investigators reportedly executed a search warrant and served Adams with a summons at Gracie Mansion earlier today. They remained at the residence for over three hours, according to a source.