...
By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
What's New
A federal judge denied Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams' request to dismiss a bribery charge against him on Tuesday.
Judge Dale E. Ho ruled that the indictment filed in September provides a sufficient description of the bribery accusation and declined to dismiss the charge.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals; wire fraud; solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national; and bribery. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The 57-page indictment unsealed on September 26 alleges that Adams accepted over $100,000 in undisclosed gifts such as luxury travel and hotel stays from Turkish businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.
...
What To Know
Adams' legal team filed a motion to dismiss the bribery count on September 30. The charge is related to allegations that Adams received free and discounted travel from a Turkish official and others in 2021 and 2022 in exchange for political favors.
Defense attorneys argued that the indictment used vague language and did not demonstrate an explicit quid pro quo.
Adams is also accused of using his political influence to pressure city fire officials into issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy to the Turkish Consulate for a newly constructed skyscraper, despite concerns of fire safety. The defense's motion argued that Adams did not have formal authority over the fire officials at the time.
Ho said in his ruling that previous bribery cases have found that a public official may use his role to influence those who are not within his direct line of authority.
The news comes just one day after President-elect Donald Trump said he would consider pardoning Adams after he takes office.
What People Are Saying
Trump, at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago: "I think that he was treated pretty unfairly."
Adams, in a video statement after the indictment was filed: "I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target—and a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit."
What Happens Next
Adams' trial is scheduled to begin April 21 and he also plans to run for reelection next year.
Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines