NYC Mayor Indicted on Five Federal Charges, Including Bribery

ABC newNew York City Mayor, Eric Adams, has been indicted on five federal charges following a federal investigation, sources confirmed on Thursday 26th September, 2024. Federal agents were seen stationed outside Adam’s residence at Gracie Mansion.

The five charges were related to bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, according to a 57-page indictment unsealed Thursday morning. 

Details on Adam’s Indictment

The indictment stems from multiple investigations that have been ongoing for nearly a year, focusing on Adam’s campaign fundraising, particularly connections with donors linked to the Turkish government and other business people as stated in the indictment.

At a press conference, Damian Williams, the Attorney General for the Southern District of New York, stated that Adams received illegal foreign and corporate donations to his campaign and accepted over $100,000 worth of luxury travel from foreign businesspeople and officials. 

Williams said, “The mayor was supposed to report these gifts but repeatedly kept the public in the dark.”

The Attorney General detailed the luxury travel benefits Adams received, such as upgraded flights and high-end hotel stays, from 2016 to 2021. Williams added that Adams tried to cover up these benefits by creating false records.

In 2021, Adams allegedly pressured officials from the New York City Fire Department to approve a new building for the Turkish Consulate, even though there were safety concerns. The charges claim this was a “thank you” for the benefits he had received. 

Williams accused Adams of abusing his position and breaking the law, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.

“For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign business people and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him”, the indictment reads.

Specifically, he received luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official and later pressured the NYC fire department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection in exchange, the indictment says.

The Mayor “engaged in a long-running conspiracy”, Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, maintained.

“Mayor Adams took these contributions even though he knew they were illegal”, Williams said. “He knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him”.

Adams, in a pre-recorded video, strongly denied the charges stating that they are based on “lies” and an attempt to undermine his credibility. And that he’s not ready to give up his seat as Mayor of New York. Even when all odds are against him, he’s determined to fight with every ounce of strength.

Foreign Nations Adams Solicited From

In 2016, Adams received a complimentary upgrade to business class for two on a round trip from New York to India,  valued at over $12,000. 

In 2017, Adams enjoyed complimentary business class tickets for three on a roundtrip from New York to France, Turkey, and China; along with a heavily discounted stay in the Bentley suite at the St. Regis Istanbul,  valued at over $41,000.

Also in 2017, Adams received free business class tickets for two on roundtrip from New York to China costing above $16,000. The following year, he got a free upgrade to business class for two on roundtrip from New York to Hungary, valued at over $12,000. 

But this was not the end of it. Adams received more complimentary upgrades in his travels in later years.

In 2019, Adams received a complimentary upgrade to business class for one flight from New York to Turkey, which included a free stay at the Cosmopolitan Suite of St. Regis Istanbul along with meals, transportation and entertainment in Istanbul valued at over $9,000.

In 2021, he solicited and accepted (but later canceled) a complimentary upgrade to business for two on roundtrip from New York to Turkey, which included free or heavily discounted luxury hotel stays, transportation, entertainment, and meals, valued at over $21,000.

In the same year, Adams received a free upgrade to business class for two on roundtrip from New York to Ghana, with free meals and transportation during an Istanbul layover, valued at of over $12,000.

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Adams’ Journey to Mayoralty

Before becoming a mayor in 2022, Adams was a prominent figure in both law enforcement and politics. 

A retired New York Police Department (NYPD) captain, Adams gained recognition for advocating for police reform from within the system. He later transitioned to politics, serving as Brooklyn Borough President. 

His journey to the mayoralty was defined by his tough-on-crime approach, coupled with a commitment to social justice, making him a prominent figure within New York’s Democratic Party. 

Mayors Who Have Faced Indictment

Adams’ indictment places him alongside a number of American mayors and politicians who have faced legal scrutiny while serving in office. 

Notable figures include former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted on 24 federal felony counts including mail fraud, wire fraud, and racketeering. In October 2013, Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison and was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma. 

Former Baltimore Mayor Cathrine Pugh was also convicted by a grand jury on 11 counts of fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy in connection with the Healthy Holly book transactions. 

Another notable case is also former Boston Mayor James Michea Curleyl who was indicted on mail fraud charges in 1945 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. 

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Effects of Adams’ Indictment on New York Voters

As a Democrat, Adam’s indictment could have significant political ramifications for his party in New York, especially with the upcoming elections. 

His administration, already shaken by multiple resignations and investigations, may leave voters questioning his leadership ability. 

Calls for his resignation have intensified, with figures like Rep. Alexandra Ocasio- Cortez urging him to step down for the good of the city. Governor Kathy Hochul is likely to face mounting pressure to remove Adams from office as his legal troubles deepen.

For New York Democrats, this situation could jeopardize their political standing, with Republicans poised to capitalize on the indictment, particularly in a city where crime and governance are top concerns for voters.