Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with bribery.
According to reports, Mayor Adams was also charged with “illegally soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreign national.” We recently reported that the New York City Mayor was indicted on Wednesday, Sept. 25, but the charges were unclear.
The indictment came after he was under a monthlong federal investigation. He faces five criminal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors say that Mayor Adams had accepted benefits from wealthy foreign businesspeople including luxury travel. They also claim that a Turkish government official was looking to gain influence over him.
Federal agents searched Gracie Mansion, the Mayor’s home, and a witness recalled seeing a lot of people in business attire walking on the mansion grounds with duffel bags and briefcases. Alex Spiro, Adams’ lawyer said that the authorities were trying to “create a spectacle” and revealed that they took his phone. He added that the Mayor is also looking forward to have his day in court.
Mayor Eric Adams released a statement after the indictment and said, “If I’m charged, I know I’m innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth.”