New York City's Mayor declares non-guilty plea in the court.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams Declares Innocence in Corruption Case. Facing Multiple Charges Like Fraud, Bribery, and Illegal Campaign Contributions, He Stands Firm at His First Court Hearing.
Adams, in his defense, proclaimed his innocence before Judge Katharine Parker, stating, "I'm not guilty, Your Honor." His legal representative, Alex Spiro, announced plans for a dismissal application in the upcoming court proceedings. The charges against Adams include receiving unlawful campaign contributions and complimentary international journeys from individuals seeking to manipulate city governance.
Exiting the courthouse without comment, Adams later stood side by side with Spiro, who once again refuted the allegations. "This isn't even a legitimate case," Spiro pointed out. The indictment identifies five charges: fraud, bribery, accepting campaign contributions twice from a foreign citizen, and conspiracy. If Adams is found guilty of the most severe charge—fraud—the U.S. Attorney's Office suggests a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Celia Cohen, Deputy U.S. Attorney, disclosed an agreement between Spiro and the prosecution allowing Adams to remain free on the condition he avoids contacting witnesses or people mentioned in the indictment. He is allowed to communicate with his family and employees but not regarding the allegations or investigation. Adams is due back in court next Wednesday.
According to the indictment, Adams allegedly exploited his connections with people affiliated with Turkey, who provided him with cheap or free flights, luxurious accommodation, and funded his mayoral campaign with unauthorized donations. He is also accused of helping secure over $10 million in public campaign financing through their intervention. It is unlawful for non-U.S. citizens to contribute to political candidates within the States.
In return, Adams is alleged to have provided favors to his benefactors, such as granting a fire department permit for the launch of a Turkish consulate building in Manhattan, despite safety concerns.
Maintaining his innocence, Adams claims that accepting travel discounts as a government official is neither strange nor inappropriate. Spiro also stated that any assistance given to individuals navigating city bureaucracy was simply part of Adams' duties as mayor. Adams denies ever intentionally accepting unlawful campaign contributions.
At the court hearing, Spiro argued that the corruption case against Adams was not legitimate, suggesting it was merely an attempt to tarnish his reputation. Despite facing charges of fraud, bribery, and accepting illegal campaign contributions, Adams continues to assert his innocence.
