New York Mayor Eric Adams returned to Manhattan federal court on Wednesday to stand trial in a major corruption case that could have sent him to prison for decades if convicted — but the former policeman’s defense may have at least one more chance to win from the courtroom. Is demanding dismissal of the charges. And punish the government if confidential information is leaked.
Adams arrived in the courtroom a few minutes earlier, at about 10:24 p.m., smiling and wearing a navy blue suit. He placed a hand on a supporter’s shoulder before joining his lawyers at the defense table. When District Judge Dale Ho began the hearing at 10:32, he stared straight ahead.
Prosecutors said it was “highly likely” that additional charges would be filed — possibly against additional defendants and in new cases. He said that the investigation is ongoing. But the defense won a narrow victory by demanding Justice Department File a speedy reply to the motions filed earlier this week as the mayor continues to insist on his right to a speedy hearing.
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Mayor Eric Adams arrives at a New York City federal courthouse on October 2, 2024. (Reuters/Caitlin Ochs)
Federal prosecutors asked the court for an October 30 deadline, but the judge gave them until the 18th. The defense continued to insist on a strict deadline, demanding disclosure of discovery by the first week of December, and the judge again agreed.
Defense attorney Alex Spiro said the mayor’s side was eager to go to trial if the case survives motions filed earlier this week, and accused the government of obstructing it. he is looking for one march test date And said he hoped the mayor would be acquitted.
“They’re trying to trap the prosecutors because the defense has more resources and they feel they’re unprepared,” said Nema Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and Los Angeles-based trial lawyer.
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Defense attorney Alex Spiro said the mayor’s side is eager to go to trial if the case survives motions filed earlier this week. (Reuters/Caitlin Ochs)
Prosecutors, on the other hand, have a paper trail, text messages, and numerous witnesses.
“It’s a strong case, but the government will have to rely on the testimony of the cooperative to prove Adams’ intent,” Rahmani told Fox News Digital. “Campaign finance and ethics violations are easier to prove than bribery.”
Separately, both sides agreed on Tuesday to stop sharing certain materials with the media.
Adams is accused of accepting bribes and soliciting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals, then using those illegal donations to collect taxpayer cash in the form of “matching” grants that paid out 8 to 1 dollar.
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is accused of taking bribes and soliciting illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals. (Reuters/Caitlin Ochs)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York alleges that Adams used his position in the government to receive benefits such as luxury travel and fine dining from wealthy business leaders, including at least one Turkish government official.
In return, Adams reportedly provided assistance, including helping Turkey obtain fire department approval to open a new diplomatic high-rise building in manhattanDespite concerns about fire safety. Adams’ defense stated that he had no ownership interest in the Manhattan building at the time he was borough president of Brooklyn, and therefore could not provide the alleged “official act” needed to prove the case against him.
Adams has described the investigation as retaliation for criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s border policy.
The mayor previously blamed the White House for the migrant crisis in New York City that has overwhelmed its asylum system. simultaneous influx of illegal immigrants increase in robberies in the Big Apple, city police said earlier this year.
At his arraignment last week, the mayor pleaded innocent and was released without bail. He denies any wrongdoing and says he will not step down. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 45 years in prison.
On Monday, Adams’ attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the bribery charge, arguing that the charges do not meet the requirements under a federal law called Section 666, which seeks to protect Indiana mayors accused of taking bribes. Recently the opinion of the Supreme Court has been cited. He argued that the $13,000 was a legal payment for consulting services.
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Mayor Eric Adams and attorney Alex Spiro speak to the media on the day of Adams’ arraignment on September 27, 2024 in New York City. (Reuters/Caitlin Ochs)
Then on Tuesday, Adams’ lawyers filed a motion demanding an evidentiary hearing and seeking sanctions against the Justice Department, which they accused of leaking confidential grand jury material to the press.
He suggested that the appropriate solution might be to toss indictment Completely.
However, experts say that leak investigations rarely impact any case.
“Most of the leaks are in high-profile corruption cases,” said Anthony Capozzolo, a former federal prosecutor who handled similar cases in the neighboring Eastern District of New York. “But they generally don’t give any chance to the outcome of a case.”
