Mayor Adams of NYC denies federal corruption charges in court

New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to federal corruption and bribery charges that could lead to his removal from office. His lawyer plans to file a motion to dismiss the case. Adams is accused of receiving $100,000 in free plane tickets and luxury hotel stays from wealthy Turkish nationals in exchange for political favors. Despite calls for his resignation, Adams insists on fighting the charges and staying in office. The indictment alleges a pay-to-play scheme involving the mayor and his foreign benefactors, with the scheme continuing even after federal authorities seized his electronic devices. Other officials close to Adams are also under investigation in separate cases, including his police commissioner and director of Asian affairs. New York’s top political figures have not called for Adams to resign, with Governor Kathy Hochul urging him to review the situation before deciding on his next steps. The federal case portrays Adams as exchanging favors with Turkish nationals for travel benefits and campaign contributions, with false certification leading to his campaign receiving over $10 million in matching public funds. The indictment details trips and business class tickets worth over $123,000 received by Adams, with efforts made to disguise the foreign money through U.S. citizens to cover up the misconduct. Spiro, Adams’ lawyer, has criticized the case as overblown and weak, while prosecutors continue to investigate other officials close to the mayor.

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