A lawsuit released Thursday accuses the Democrat of accepting a series of inappropriate gifts from Turkish officials and businessmen, including free hotel stays and plane tickets. discounted for destinations such as France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, Ghana and Turkey.
In return, prosecutors say Mr. Adams did his supporters a favor. He notably helped Turkey get approval from firefighters to open a new diplomatic tower in Manhattan, despite concerns about its fire safety system, according to prosecutors.
Mr. Adams maintains that he is innocent. His lawyer said it was not unusual or inappropriate for a public official to accept special travel privileges. The mayor denied accepting an illegal campaign contribution and said it was just part of his job to help people navigate the city’s bureaucracy.
Mr Adams was scheduled to appear at noon before Judge Katharine Parker.
Mr. Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, asked the court to postpone the appearance until Monday at least, especially to reduce the number of times the mayor had to appear in court. A judge did not immediately respond to that request.
Arrangements for a court appearance were unclear Thursday. Many people charged with federal crimes are arrested, taken into custody, and then brought before a judge after spending time in custody. But this is not always the case.
When former US Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey was indicted on corruption charges in the same court exactly one year ago Friday, he arrived a free man that morning, appeared briefly before a judge and walked out after about 4 1/. 2 hours in the building. He was never seen kneeling.
Mr. Adams, a Democrat, is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery in a five-count indictment.
On Thursday, prosecutor Damian Williams said several Turkish businessmen and diplomats were involved in a “multi-year plan to buy favors” from Mayor Adams.
In his public comments on Thursday, Mr. Adams asked New Yorkers not to pass judgment until they hear his defense.
His lawyer, Mr. Spiro, told reporters that the perks and upgrades that Adams accepted were typically offered to VIPs and members of Congress.
“That’s what airlines do,” he said, noting that many of the allegations relate to trips Mr. Adams took several years ago, when he was president of Brooklyn town.
It is unclear whether this week’s lawsuit will be the final word in federal investigations into the administration.
Federal prosecutors are believed to be conducting several separate investigations involving Mr. Adams, his top associates and their family members. In early September, federal investigators seized devices from Adams’ police commissioner, the schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other officials.
In the past two weeks, the police commissioner resigned and the school chancellor announced his resignation. None have been accused or publicly accused of wrongdoing.
2024-09-27 12:47:04
#mayor #York #Friday
