
New York Mayor Eric Adams Pleads Not Guilty to Corruption Charges
By Luc Cohen
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams entered a not guilty plea on Friday to federal charges involving bribery and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish nationals, amid increasing pressure from within his party to resign.
During his initial court appearance at Manhattan federal court, the 64-year-old mayor wore a dark blue suit and a purple dotted tie, maintaining a steady gaze as U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker outlined five felony counts against him, including bribery and wire fraud.
"I am not guilty, your honor," Adams stated in response to the plea inquiry from the judge.
His attorney, Alex Spiro, indicated plans to file a motion to dismiss the charges next week. Adams is scheduled to return to court on October 2.
The mayor was released without bail but is prohibited from contacting witnesses or individuals named in the indictment; however, exceptions were made for family and staff, provided he does not discuss the indictment’s particulars with them.
The unsealed indictment revealed that Turkish diplomats and business figures allegedly funneled money to Adams’ campaign while providing lavish travel perks, including business-class flights, luxurious hotel accommodations, and meals at upscale restaurants. In return, Adams reportedly pressured city officials in 2021 to allow the opening of Turkey’s new consulate, disregarding existing safety concerns.
A spokesperson for the Turkish foreign ministry stated that they are closely monitoring the proceedings involving Adams, emphasizing adherence to diplomatic protocols and denying any involvement in another country’s internal affairs.
Following the hearing, Spiro asserted that the case centers on false claims made by an Adams staffer. He downplayed the allegations, asserting he expects the charges to be dismissed, labeling the situation as "the airline upgrade corruption case."
POLITICAL UPHEAVAL
Adams, who previously served as a police officer, is the first mayor of New York City to face federal charges while in office.
The city has experienced significant political turmoil over the past month, compounded by federal investigations into senior officials. The police commissioner resigned on September 12 after FBI agents seized his phone, and shortly thereafter, Adams’ top legal advisor also departed.
U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, a prominent Democrat from Manhattan, has called for Adams’ resignation, joining a growing list of city officials and lawmakers voicing similar sentiments. However, influential Brooklyn Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have refrained from making such calls.
Though the process is complex, Adams could face removal from office by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who stated she would "review my options and obligations as the governor of New York."
FIRST STOP IS ALWAYS ISTANBUL
The alleged misconduct reportedly dates back to 2014, when Adams assumed the role of Brooklyn borough president. Prosecutors claim he accepted free travel from Turkish Airlines valued at tens of thousands of dollars during his tenure and paid a mere $600 for a luxury suite at the St. Regis hotel in Istanbul, significantly less than its actual cost of $7,000.
Prosecutors noted that Adams would even choose Turkish Airlines for travel despite it being inconvenient. In a 2017 text message, he remarked, "You know first stop is always Istanbul," when his partner expressed surprise at flying from New York to Paris via Istanbul.
Additionally, Adams is accused of accepting illegal foreign contributions for his 2021 mayoral campaign.
Prosecutors allege that at the request of a Turkish diplomat, Adams pressured city inspectors to fast-track the opening of the new Turkish consulate in time for a visit from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in September 2021, despite the building failing a fire inspection.
Ultimately, Adams notified the diplomat when the Fire Department approved the building’s opening later that day, to which the diplomat allegedly responded, "You are a true friend of Turkey."