Possible New Charges Loom Over Mayor Adams and Aides, Federal Prosecutors Reveal

Midtown Times, October 2, 2024 – In a recent court appearance, federal prosecutors signaled that additional charges might be brought against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, compounding his historic indictment on allegations of bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. During a Manhattan court hearing on October 2, Hagan Scotten, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), suggested that more individuals involved in the scheme linked to Adams could also face criminal charges.

Scotten’s statement came in response to Judge Dale Ho’s inquiry about the possibility of other co-conspirators being charged. “We think that is quite likely,” Scotten replied, indicating the investigation could widen.

Mayor Adams is accused of orchestrating a nearly decade-long scheme in which he allegedly accepted illicit benefits, including travel perks and campaign donations from foreign nationals, in exchange for political favors. His indictment has stirred significant controversy, with federal authorities building a case against him.

At the hearing, Adams sat quietly beside his attorney, Alex Spiro. He recently filed motions to dismiss the bribery charges and accused the prosecution of leaking grand jury information to the media. Spiro also pressed for a swift trial to conclude proceedings before early March 2025, when Adams would need to gather signatures for the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary.

Judge Ho did not commit to a trial date but said he would consider Spiro’s request. Spiro, meanwhile, downplayed the possibility of new charges, claiming the prosecution’s suggestion reflected desperation. “This is the sort of nonsense that prosecutors say when they don’t have a real case,” Spiro said.

The court hearing primarily focused on setting a timeline for the case, including deadlines for the exchange of evidence and responses to motions. A critical hearing is scheduled for October 30, and the discovery process will continue as SDNY turns over evidence to Adams’ defense team.

The evidence includes communications and records from foreign nationals, including Turkish Airlines, and witnesses willing to testify against Adams. Notably, a phone seized from the mayor in 2023 remains a focal point of the investigation, though it remains locked due to a change in passcode just before its confiscation.

Mayor Adams, who has pled not guilty to all charges, left the courthouse without addressing reporters. Outside, protesters called for his resignation, with one sign comparing him to Donald Trump.

The case against Adams is set to unfold as the political climate in New York intensifies.