New York City Mayor Eric Adams returns to court as his lawyers seek to drop bribery charges

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams is back in court Friday as he attempts to dodge federal corruption charges while fighting for his political future.

The Democrat will appear at a 2 p.m. hearing in Manhattan federal court, where his lawyers will argue that the bribery charge, one of five counts against Adams, should be dismissed because it does not meet federal criminal standards.

The indictment also includes wire fraud and conspiracy charges, accusing Adams of accepting $100,000 worth of flight upgrades and other luxury travel perks, as well as illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreigners seeking to buy his influence.

In exchange, prosecutors said, Adams offered political favors that benefited the Turkish government, including expediting the opening of the consulate building that fire inspectors deemed unsafe.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges and vowed to remain in office while mounting a legal defense.

U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho gave the defense and prosecution 20 minutes each to argue the issue.

Late Thursday, Ho rejected Adams’ request for a hearing on the mayor’s claims that the administration leaked information about the investigation to the news media. The judge ruled that Adams and his lawyers had failed to substantiate the claims and that the government would be responsible if any leaks occurred.

As for the bribery allegation, Adams’ attorneys urged Mr. Ho in a memo last month to dismiss the “extremely vague” allegation, saying it sought to cast “normal and unfair” actions taken by Adams as Brooklyn borough president before being elected mayor. “Completely lawful conduct” is criminalized.

The flight upgrades and other perks he received over the years were, at best, “typical tips,” documents show. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling found that tips were not covered by bribery laws if they were given as a result of past conduct. scope.

Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, responded that Adams’ actions were clearly criminal.

“It should be clear from the face of the indictment that it was not customary for a public official to accept benefits in excess of $100,000 from a foreign diplomat, and that he went to great lengths to conceal it – including fabricating False paper records were created to create the appearance of payment,” prosecutors wrote.

Mr Ho is expected to hear arguments from both sides on the motion to dismiss the charges. It’s unclear when he will issue a decision.

At a hearing last month, federal prosecutors said they may bring additional charges against Adams and prosecute others around him.

Several of Adams’ closest aides – including his police chief, school principals and various deputy mayors – have resigned in recent months after federal investigators conducted coordinated searches of their homes in early September.

Adams insists he can continue to lead the city effectively while fighting the charges.

But his political prospects remain worrisome, and some opponents have announced plans to challenge him in next year’s mayoral primary.

Earlier this week, Adams repeatedly declined to criticize former President Donald Trump, refusing to say when he last spoke to the Republican nominee or whether he would seek a pardon if Trump wins re-election. This caused concern.