NYC Mayor Eric Adams Hit With Fraud, Bribery Charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted in a fraud and bribery scheme.

At a Glance

US prosecutors have charged New York City Mayor Eric Adams with bribery and fraud.
Adams is alleged to have accepted illegal gifts worth over $100,000 from Turkish citizens and officials.
Adams faces five criminal counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and federal program bribery.
The indictment details Adams allegedly accepting luxury travel and accommodations from Turkish nationals starting in 2016.
Adams denies all allegations and vows to fight the charges in court.

Eric Adams Faces Serious Charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged by U.S. prosecutors with a series of serious offenses, including bribery and fraud.

Allegations claim Adams accepted illegal gifts worth over $100,000 from Turkish citizens and officials. Prosecutors allege these gifts were in exchange for political favors, a serious breach of public trust.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams addressed the media for the first time since being indicted on federal charges including bribery, wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. Stream CBS New York for the latest updates https://t.co/YZFpKkhYdN pic.twitter.com/idSjQh6lci

— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) September 26, 2024

Luxury Travel and Accommodations

The indictment alleges Adams accepted luxury travel and accommodations from Turkish nationals dating back to 2016.

“This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise: Eric Adams,” said Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

These accusations include the use of “straw donors” and fake paper trails to conceal the sources of campaign contributions. Adams faces five counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and receiving campaign contributions from foreign nationals. If convicted, Adams could face significant prison time.

Impact on Political Future

The indictment against Adams could have severe implications for his political future. Calls for his resignation have emerged from various lawmakers. Nevertheless, Adams has resisted these calls and pleaded not guilty to the allegations on Friday.

“I ask New York to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments,” Adams said. “My attorneys will take care of the case, so I can take care of the city. My day-to-day will not change. I will continue to do the job for 8.3 million New Yorkers that I was elected to do.”

The charges could carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for wire fraud, 10 years for bribery, and five years for other charges. This legal challenge adds another layer of complexity amid ongoing scrutiny of his administration, which has already seen multiple resignations and FBI raids.

Federal Investigation and Broader implications

The scheme allegedly began when Adams was a top official in Brooklyn and continued into his mayoralty. After an investigation that began in 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Gracie Mansion, seizing Adams’ electronic devices. Adams’ defense includes claims of political targeting due to his criticism of federal immigration policies.

“As we allege, year after year after year, he kept the public in the dark,” said Damian Williams. “He told the public he received no gifts, even though he was secretly being showered with them.”

Adams is the first sitting New York City mayor to be charged with a crime, marking a significant moment in the city’s political landscape.

Potential changes in leadership could follow if Adams resigns, with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stepping in as acting mayor and likely pushing for a special election. Governor Kathy Hochul is also considering her options, including potentially removing Adams from office. The indictment has thrown New York City’s political environment into significant uncertainty.