5 Bombshell Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams
On Sept. 26, 2024, a federal indictment charged New York City Mayor Eric Adams with a series of serious crimes, marking a historic moment in the city's political landscape. The accusations — spanning bribery, campaign finance violations, and alleged cover-ups — trace back to his time as Brooklyn borough president. Adams maintains his innocence. Here's a clear look at what the indictment claims and what lies ahead.
What charges does Mayor Adams face?
Federal prosecutors filed five specific charges against Adams:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals
- Wire fraud 3 and 4. Two counts of soliciting contributions from foreign nationals
- Bribery
Adams pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting he remains dedicated to his role as mayor as the case proceeds.
Eric Adams in February 2022. Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York under CC BY 2.0.
What do prosecutors say Adams allegedly did?
Prosecutors claim that since 2014 Adams has received significant luxury perks and political contributions from foreign nationals, particularly from Turkish officials, in exchange for certain favors. According to the indictment, Adams allegedly:
- Accepted luxury travel and accommodations worth more than $123,000, including business-class flights and a suite valued at $41,000
- Solicited foreign campaign donations disguised through "straw donors" (people who illegally use another person's money to make a political contribution in their own name) to sidestep city campaign finance laws
- Used his influence to push for approvals that benefited his benefactors, notably intervening to greenlight a Turkish consulate building in 2021 despite safety concerns
Prosecutors argue these actions reflect a pattern of misconduct and a disregard for campaign finance laws designed to keep foreign influence out of local politics.
What evidence has the FBI collected?
Federal agents have collected a range of evidence pointing to a possible cover-up and financial improprieties:
- Luxury Benefits: Documents show Adams allegedly received over $123,000 in travel perks, including a discounted suite in Istanbul and other lavish accommodations, which he reportedly failed to disclose on financial forms.
- Paper Trails: The indictment claims Adams created false records to make it appear he had paid for free travel. Staff members allegedly helped forge these records.
- Deleted Communications: Investigators say Adams instructed his staff to delete messages and communications, aiming to keep his activities hidden from public and federal scrutiny.
- High-Level Resignations: Several officials in Adams' administration resigned as the FBI expanded its search, seizing phones and other materials from multiple residences.
How has Adams responded to these allegations?
Adams remains defiant, firmly denying all accusations. In a public statement, he said, "I know I've done nothing wrong," and called the charges lies, according to CBS News. Adams and his legal team have requested a fast-tracked trial to bring their defense forward, insisting that the case is bogus. In the meantime, Adams says he remains committed to his position as mayor, saying, "I'm stepping up, not stepping down. I have a city to run that I will continue to run," as reported by NBC New York.
What happens next?
With Adams' not-guilty plea, the case now heads toward trial. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors have suggested that more information may emerge as they continue gathering evidence. This indictment marks the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced criminal charges, bringing unprecedented attention to the case. For now, Adams intends to keep serving as mayor and defending his reputation in court.
References: Read the full NYC Mayor Eric Adams indictment for details on the bribery, campaign finance & conspiracy charges against him | New York City Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Bribery and Other Charges: What to Know | New York's Mayor Eric Adams indicted: Everything you need to know | What's in the 5-count indictment against NYC Mayor Eric Adams | With the indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams, a closer look at who's who in the federal investigations into NYC's top officials | Feds timeline of 'overt acts' allegedly committed by Eric Adams | New York leaders react to indictment of Mayor Eric Adams | New Details Emerge About Eric Adams' Federal Trial As More Charges Possible | Eric Adams pleads not guilty to corruption charges. What to know about indictment | AOC calls on Eric Adams to resign, NYC mayor claps back
