The mayor of New York wants to move his lawsuit forward in anticipation of his election campaign

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is trying to get his graft and corruption trial started so he can focus on his re-election campaign this spring.

In a letter sent to the federal judge on Monday, a lawyer for Mr. Adams, Alex Spiro, requested that the trial begin on April 1 rather than the currently scheduled date of April 23.

“An earlier trial date will ensure that Mayor Adams’ rights to a speedy trial are respected, that the mayor can fully participate in his re-election campaign, and that -this city will vote to exonerate themselves from this charge. advised as they hear and evaluate the Democratic candidates for mayor on their merits,” wrote Mr. Spiro.

Eric Adams, a Democrat, was indicted in September for accepting benefits such as luxury travel and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official seeking political favors. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and asked to remain in office while he defended his case.

He is expected to face a contested Democratic primary in June, with several challengers already announcing interest in challenging him.

Inquiries to the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan were not answered.

At a hearing earlier this month, prosecutors said they would be ready for a trial as soon as it is scheduled, but noted they were still going through several case files that had been filed. were caught and that they had not yet accessed Mayor Adams’ personal cell phone. According to his accusation, Eric Adams changed his password just before he gave the phone to the authorities, and said he forgot it.

In his letter Monday, the mayor’s lawyer said he would give up access to some undiscovered documents if it meant speeding up the trial date. Under the current timeline, he expected a decision to be reached at the end of May, which would only give the mayor a short window to clear his name with voters.

“Given current events and the election cycle, this earlier trial date is not only possible, but necessary here,” Mr. Spiro wrote.

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