NYC Mayor Involved in Decade-Long Scandal, Facing Serious Accusations

New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces federal indictment for alleged decade-long campaign fraud and bribery scheme involving Turkish officials.

At a Glance

Mayor Adams indicted on five counts including bribery, wire fraud, and illegal foreign campaign donations
Allegations include accepting over $100,000 in luxury travel benefits from Turkish businessmen
Adams denies wrongdoing and rejects calls for resignation
If convicted, Adams could face up to 45 years in prison
Governor Kathy Hochul reviewing charges, has power to remove Adams from office

Federal Indictment Unveiled

Federal authorities have indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a sweeping case that accuses him of a prolonged scheme centered on campaign fraud and bribery spanning a decade. The 57-page federal indictment released Thursday cites Adams for accepting in excess of $100,000 in inappropriate foreign travel expenses and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish businessmen and a high-ranking official.

The charges against Adams include five counts of criminal offenses: bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. The indictment alleges that Adams engaged in a conspiracy with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions, starting when he was Brooklyn borough president.

Allegations of Corruption and Bribery

According to the indictment, Adams allegedly used straw donors to evade campaign finance limits and received over $10 million in NYC matching funds. The mayor is accused of granting political favors in return for these illegal contributions, such as facilitating the opening of a Turkish consulate in NYC without standard safety protocols.

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

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams claims Adams received illegal gifts in exchange for political favors. Specific allegations include Adams pressuring the New York Fire Department to approve a Turkish consulate building despite safety issues and receiving a heavily discounted stay at Istanbul’s St Regis hotel.

Mayor’s Response and Political Fallout

Adams vehemently denies any wrongdoing and has rejected calls for his resignation. At a press conference on Thursday, the mayor stated, “I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments. I follow the rules, I follow the federal law, I do not do anything that’s going to participate in illegal campaign activity.”

For the first time in history, New York City's mayor has been indicted. Eric Adams has been charged with bribery and fraud, and is accused of accepting improper benefits and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish entities. @AaronKatersky reports. https://t.co/wIyNCrX5B1 pic.twitter.com/r3FCXr6qnt

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) September 26, 2024

The indictment has sent shockwaves through New York’s political landscape. High-profile New York Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have called for Adams to step down. Governor Kathy Hochul is reviewing the charges and has the power to remove Adams from office. Additionally, an “inability committee” could also oust Adams from the mayor’s office.

Ongoing Investigation and Potential Consequences

The U.S. attorney has stated that the corruption investigation is ongoing. Federal agents executed a search warrant at Gracie Mansion, seizing Adams’ electronic devices. If convicted, Adams could face up to 45 years in prison, jeopardizing both his political career and the credibility of his administration.

“I want to be clear, these upgrades and freebies were not part of some frequent flyer or benefits program available to the general public,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference. “This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor from a single New York City official on the rise.”

The indictment marks a significant escalation in the federal scrutiny of Adams and his administration. With some of the lowest approval ratings of any NYC mayor and facing a crowded field of Democratic primary challengers, Adams’ political future hangs in the balance as he prepares to face the charges in court.