Emil Bove, acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General, has announced an order for New York federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams.
According to NBC News, the order calls for all charges against the Mayor “to be dismissed, and the dismissal is without prejudice.”At a later time, charges can be refiled.
As of Monday (February 10) evening, the charges against Adams have not been dismissed by federal prosecutors in New York. If the charges are to be dropped, a motion to dismiss would also have to be reviewed by a judge.
A senior official said on Monday that the Justice Department will review the charges would be reviewed following the confirmation of a new U.S. attorney appointed by President Donald Trump.
Back in September, Adams was indicted on bribery and campaign finances
Damian Williams, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, brought the charges against Adams.
“As alleged, Mayor Adams abused his position as this City’s highest elected official, and before that as Brooklyn Borough President, to take bribes and solicit illegal campaign contributions. By allegedly taking improper and illegal benefits from foreign nationals—including allowing a Manhattan skyscraper to open without a fire inspection—Adams put the interests of his benefactors, including a foreign official, above those of his constituents, Williams said at a press conference announcing the charges. ‘This Office and our partners at the FBI and DOI will continue to pursue corruption anywhere in this City, especially when that corruption takes the form of illegal foreign influence on our democratic system.”
If convicted on all charges, Adams could face a maximum of 45 years in prison.