NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on 5 Federal Charges, Including Bribery and Wire Fraud

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on five federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, according to a 57-page indictment unsealed on Thursday. The charges date back to his time as Brooklyn Borough president in 2014.

The indictment alleges Adams engaged in a nearly decade-long scheme where he received valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, from wealthy foreign businesspeople, including a Turkish government official seeking influence. In exchange, Adams is accused of pressuring the NYC Fire Department to approve a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated that Adams accepted illegal contributions despite knowing they were intended to buy influence. In response, Adams said he wasn’t surprised by the charges and urged the public to hear his defense, emphasizing that he would continue his duties as mayor.

Adams, who took office in January 2022, ran on promises of tackling crime and revitalizing the city post-pandemic but faced challenges with issues like the migrant crisis and criticism over city spending. His indictment marks a significant blow to his political career, with figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez already calling for his resignation.

The indictment also alleges Adams sought illegal contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign and accepted gifts like luxury travel from Turkish officials, which he didn’t disclose. These officials allegedly funneled donations through employees to bypass legal limits.

In a dramatic development, federal investigators searched Adams’ official residence, Gracie Mansion, on Thursday, spending over three hours there. Adams’ attorney criticized the search, calling it a spectacle, but affirmed the mayor’s willingness to cooperate.

Adams’ legal troubles have escalated, with federal investigators previously targeting members of his staff and top City Hall officials in related investigations, resulting in resignations and searches. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is leading the case, but since Adams is a sitting mayor, the Justice Department is involved in the decision to proceed with charges.