Eric Adams indicted latest: NYC mayor to be arraigned on bribery and fraud charges
Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, is determined to contest the federal charges against him.
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Today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is scheduled to go to court for his arraignment on multiple charges, including bribery, wire fraud, soliciting contributions from a foreign national, and conspiracy.
Adams is the first active mayor in the city’s recent history to be confronted with federal criminal charges.
On Thursday, U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of New York announced a detailed five-count indictment against Adams. He is alleged to have solicited and received "unlawful campaign donations for his 2021 mayoral bid, along with various other benefits, from individuals who are not U.S. citizens."
The allegations arise from a lengthy federal inquiry focused on his 2021 campaign for mayor and his connections with officials from the Turkish government and citizens from Turkey.
Federal prosecutors allege that Adams received "illegal" campaign contributions that were funneled through a straw donor scheme. They also claim he accepted lavish perks in return for using his influence to interfere in a fire inspection at the Turkish consulate.
Adams stated that he was "not shocked" by the accusations and rejected any claims of misconduct.
He announced that he would not resign from his role as the leading official in New York City, even though both current and former legislators are urging him to leave.
Eric Adams To Appear In Court Today
Thanks for joining us again for our live updates.
Eric Adams is scheduled to be in court today for his arraignment.
Yesterday, the Mayor of New York City faced charges including bribery, wire fraud, soliciting donations from a foreign individual, and conspiracy.
After reports emerged late Wednesday night indicating that Adams had been indicted, federal agents arrived at the mayor's official home, Gracie Mansion, early the following morning.
Yesterday, U.S. Attorneys in the Southern District of New York revealed the indictment.
Adams, who refutes all the accusations, is slated to be in court at 12 PM Eastern Time.
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Stay tuned for more updates coming soon.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, 10:10 PM
DOJ: Eric Adams Took $100K In Secret Luxury Gifts
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, 10:00 PM
Eric Adams Scheduled For Arraignment Friday
Judge Dale Ho has ruled that New York City Mayor Eric Adams will face arraignment on Friday, September 27.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, at 9:48 PM
Eric Adams Tells City Workers: 'I've Done No Wrong'
New York City Mayor Eric Adams assured city government workers that he hasn't done anything improper and that he remains committed to serving the people of New York.
"There's no doubt that you've heard the recent news about the indictment from the Southern District of New York. As my legal team takes a close look at the accusations that were made public, I want to emphasize that I am confident I have not committed any wrongdoing. I remain dedicated to advocating for New Yorkers in my role as your mayor," Adams stated in an email, which was shared by The New York Daily News.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, 9:30 PM
Chuck Schumer Describes Charges As "Serious"
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, representing New York, described the allegations against Adams as "serious" and emphasized that the legal proceedings should be conducted "swiftly and justly."
“Everyone is accountable to the law, even the mayor of New York City,” Schumer stated.
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Is Eric Adams Removable From Office?
Adams has been unequivocal in stating that he will not step down, even though there have been numerous demands for his resignation following his federal indictment. However, there are two possible avenues for his removal.
Governor Kathy Hochul has the authority to dismiss him, but the procedure is quite intricate. She would need to put Adams on suspension for 30 days, followed by a sort of trial.
So far, Hochul has not provided an official comment on whether she intends to take that action.
Another possibility is to create a committee consisting of five members focused on assessing "mayoral incapacity." This committee would include the corporation counsel, the comptroller, the speaker of the council, a deputy mayor chosen by the mayor, and the borough president who has served the longest without interruption.
To dismiss the mayor, a minimum of 80% of the members need to cast their votes in favor.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, at 8:30 PM.
What Are The Official Charges?
Charge one: Plotting to engage in wire fraud, bribing federal programs, and accepting campaign donations from foreign individuals.
Count Two: Fraudulent Use of Wire Communications
Counts three and four: Requesting a donation from a foreign individual.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, 8:00 PM
Lawyers For Adams Seek Arraignment Dates
Attorney Alex Spiro, representing Mayor Eric Adams, requested that Judge Dale Ho, who is managing the case, schedule the initial hearing for either Friday or Monday, as stated in a court filing.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, at 7:51 PM.
"Adams Changed Phone Password, Forgot Before Raid"
The charges claim that Adams altered his actions to hide his illegal activities after he found out he was under investigation. This included changing the password on his phone, only to forget it the day before federal agents took possession of the device.
On November 5, 2023, Adams updated the password on his personal cell phone, making it more secure by expanding it from four digits to six.
He explained to the investigators that he took this action to ensure that his employees wouldn't accidentally or intentionally remove any information from his phone, keeping its contents safe for their examination.
However, Adams later stated that he had “forgotten” the password he had just set up and couldn’t share it with the FBI.
Ariana Baio, September 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
