New York. New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty Friday to federal bribery charges, firmly rejecting accusations that he accepted luxury trips, campaign cash and other benefits from foreign interests that they then tried to take advantage of their power and influence.
Adams’ attorney told a judge that next week they will move to dismiss the case, which has shaken America’s largest city after months of investigations, searches and subpoenas.
Adams, a Democrat, pleaded guilty in a Manhattan courtroom just steps from City Hall, a day after prosecutors unsealed an indictment alleging he accepted foreign trips and illegal campaign donations from people seeking to buy his influence in the city government.
““I am not guilty, your honor,” Adams said, looking solemnly at Magistrate Katharine Parker.
Adams left the courthouse without comment. He smiled at a court official, but ignored the lines of reporters he passed on his way out. Afterward, Adams remained silent as his attorney, Alex Spiro, blasted the charges.
“This is not even a real case. This is the airline upgrade corruption case,” Spiro said.
Adams is accused of exploiting a years-long relationship with people with ties to Turkey, who gave him free flights, hotel stays – even a trip to a Turkish bath – and fueled his mayoral bid with donations that helped him qualify for more than 10 million dollars in public campaign funds.
People who are not US citizens are prohibited by law from donating to US political candidates.
He faces five counts in the indictment: wire fraud, bribery, two counts of receiving campaign contributions from a foreign national and conspiracy. If convicted of the most serious charge, wire fraud, he faces up to 20 years in prison, federal prosecutors said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia V. Cohen said prosecutors and Spiro reached a deal that would allow Adams to be released “on his own signature,” on the condition that he not contact any witnesses or people in the prosecution. with accommodations for him to speak with family members and staff, but not about anything related to the accusations.
Prosecutors said they would provide Spiro with the names of people Adams should avoid.
Adams, 64, will return to court Wednesday for a conference in the case.
#Mayor #Pleads #Guilty #Bribery #Allegations
– 2024-10-06 07:10:53
