Investigations into the Eric Adams administration#Indictment

File:Eric Adams - Eric Adams arraignment 2024-09-27 087 (cropped).jpg

There have been several investigations into the Eric Adams administration since he became Mayor of New York City in 2022.

Chief among these investigations was the federal prosecution of Eric Adams overseen by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York that resulted in the criminal indictment of Adams in September 2024. This indictment charges Adams with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States; one count of wire fraud; two counts of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals; and one count of soliciting and accepting a bribe.{{Cite news |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Thrush |first3=Glenn |author-link3=Glenn Thrush |last4=Rothfeld |first4=Michael |last5=Bromwich |first5=Jonah E. |last6=Fitzsimmons |first6=Emma G. |last7=Weiser |first7=Benjamin |date=2025-02-10 |title=Justice Dept. Seeks Dismissal of Federal Corruption Case Against Adams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/10/nyregion/eric-adams-charges/eric-adams-charges-doj-trump |access-date=2025-02-11 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Southern District of New York {{!}} New York City Mayor Eric Adams Charged With Bribery And Campaign Finance Offenses {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-charged-bribery-and-campaign-finance-offenses |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=www.justice.gov |publisher=United States Department of Justice |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Rothfeld |first3=Michael |last4=Haag |first4=Matthew |date=September 25, 2024 |title=Eric Adams Is Indicted in New York |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/09/25/nyregion/eric-adams-indicted-corruption |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times}} On October 8, Adams's former Chief Liaison to the Muslim Community Mohamed Bahi, who had resigned the day prior, was arrested and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection with Adams's indictment and the investigation of illegal contributions made to Adams's mayoral campaign.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/08/nyregion/mohamed-bahi-arrested-adams.html|title=City Hall Official Charged With Witness Tampering in Adams Inquiry|first1=William K.|last1=Rashbaum|first2=Michael|last2=Rothfeld|first3=Dana|last3=Rubinstein|first4=Bianca|last4=Pallaro|work=The New York Times|date=October 8, 2024|access-date=October 8, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/10/08/ex-adams-aide-mohamed-bahi-charged-with-destroying-evidence-witness-tampering-in-turkey-probe/|title=Former Adams aide Mohamed Bahi charged in NYC City Hall federal corruption investigation|first1=Chris|last1=Sommerfeldt|first2=Molly|last2=Crane-Newman|first3=Josephine|last3=Stratman|work=New York Daily News|date=October 8, 2024|access-date=October 8, 2024}}

Law enforcement interest in a wide swath of Adams's City Hall led to a number of unscheduled departures from the administration before Adams's indictment. The New York City Department of Investigation and New York County District Attorney arrested Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich in 2023 for an alleged bribery scheme, forcing him to leave the administration. He awaits trial in New York Supreme Court.{{Cite web |last=Offenhartz |first=Jake |date=2023-09-13 |title=Former NYC buildings commissioner accused of trading favors for cash, Mets tickets and more |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-eric-adams-eric-ulrich-bribery-8a44e96f0782bb4945de117d69fba13f |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Associated Press |language=en}} A set of raids by IRS Criminal Investigation in 2024 led to the resignation of Police Commissioner Edward Caban. Similar warrant seizures of phones by the Federal Bureau of Investigation preceded the resignation of Schools Chancellor David C. Banks and his brother, Deputy Mayor Philip Banks III.

As the charges have mounted, dozens of New York elected officials have called for Adams to resign.{{Cite news |last1=Honan |first1=Katie |last2=Smith |first2=Greg B. |last3=Hogan |first3=Gwynne |date=September 25, 2024 |title=Mayor Eric Adams Indicted by Federal Prosecutors |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/09/25/eric-adams-indicted-department-justice/ |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=The City}} Under the New York City Charter, the New York State Governor holds the power to suspend the Mayor for 30 days and ultimately remove him.{{Cite web |title=Section 9. Removal of mayor. |url=https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCcharter/0-0-0-5717 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=American Legal Publishing |language=en-US}} Governor Kathy Hochul has so far declined to exercise this right or call for Adams's resignation, saying that, "It's now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead," while under indictment.{{Cite web |title=Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul {{!}} Governor Kathy Hochul |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-31 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=www.governor.ny.gov |language=en}} The charter also contains language to remove a mayor via a never-before-used Inability Committee,{{cite web |url=https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCcharter/0-0-0-5717 |title=New York City Charter: Removal of mayor; Succession |publisher=American Legal Publishing |access-date=February 19, 2025}}{{Cite web |last1=Tecotzky |first1=Alice |last2=Lee |first2=Lloyd |title=What it would take to remove embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams from office |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-adams-indictment-how-mayor-would-be-removed-from-office-2024-9 |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} consisting of the city's corporation counsel, comptroller, council speaker, senior borough president, and one deputy mayor.{{Cite web |last1=Krichevsky |first1=Sophie |last2=Bunay |first2=Angela |date=2024-09-26 |title=No NYC mayor has resigned in decades. But here's what would happen if they did. |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/09/no-nyc-mayor-has-resigned-1932-heres-what-would-happen-if-they-did/392217/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=City & State NY |language=en}} It would take four votes to start the process of removing the mayor – temporarily or permanently – which he could dispute,{{Cite web |last1=Russo-Lennon |first1=Barbara |last2=Pozarycki |first2=Robert |date=2024-09-26 |title=Mayor Adams indictment: What happens if he chooses to resign – or is removed from office? |url=https://www.amny.com/news/mayor-adams-indictment-resign-removal-scenario/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=AM New York Metro |language=en-US |quote=members of the city government could also form an ad-hoc "inability committee" to remove the mayor… five members: the city's corporation council, comptroller, speaker of the city council, the borough president with the longest term in office — and even a deputy mayor appointed by the mayor himself… those members would be Lander, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Speaker Adrienne Adams… city does have an acting corporation counsel, who has the full powers of the office… Experts say the city charter's provisions are unclear on what constitutes inability or whether a mayor under indictment meets such a definition.}} and would still need to pass the full council.{{Cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Brand |first2=David |date=2024-09-26 |title=What happens if Mayor Adams resigns – or refuses to leave City Hall? |url=https://gothamist.com/news/what-happens-if-mayor-adams-resigns-or-refuses-to-leave-city-hall |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Gothamist |language=en}}

Adams calls the charges "entirely false, based on lies", and has vowed to fight the charges.{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Luc |date=September 26, 2024 |title=New York Mayor Adams faces criminal indictment, vows to fight charges |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/new-york-mayor-adams-has-been-indicted-after-corruption-probe-new-york-times-2024-09-26/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Reuters}} Adams and his defenders maintain the charges are retaliation for his opposing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the migrant crisis.{{Cite web |last1=Lemire |first1=Jonathan |last2=Stokols |first2=Eli |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Joe Biden cut ties with Eric Adams two years ago |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/26/white-house-eric-adams-indictment-00181241 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Politico}}

On February 10, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) instructed federal prosecutors to drop charges against Adams.{{Cite news |date=2025-02-10 |title=Read the Justice Department Memo About Eric Adams's Corruption Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/10/nyregion/adams-case-dismiss-memo.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250211003332/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/10/nyregion/adams-case-dismiss-memo.html |archive-date=2025-02-11 |access-date=2025-02-11 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/nyregion/eric-adams-charges-doj-trump.html |title=Push to Drop Adams Charges Reveals a Justice Dept. Under Trump's Sway|work=The New York Times|first1=William K.|last1=Rashbaum|first2=Dana|last2=Rubinstein|first3=Glenn|last3=Trush|first4=Michael|last4=Rothfeld|first5=Jonah E.|last5=Bromwich|date=February 10, 2025|access-date=February 14, 2025}} On February 13, 2025, the interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Renee Sassoon, resigned after refusing to drop the charges.{{Cite news |last=Rothfeld |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Rothfeld |date=2025-02-13 |title=Read Danielle Sassoon's Letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Annotated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/13/us/doc-annotation-letter-to-bondi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250213231232/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/13/us/doc-annotation-letter-to-bondi.html |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |access-date=2025-02-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/nyregion/danielle-sassoon-quit-eric-adams.html|title=Order to Drop Adams Case Prompts Resignations in New York and Washington|work=The New York Times|first1=William K.|last1=Rashbaum|first2=Benjamin|last2=Weiser|first3=Jonah E.|last3=Bromwich|first4=Maggie|last4=Haberman|date=February 13, 2025|access-date=February 14, 2025}} Kevin Driscoll, the acting head of the DOJ's Criminal Division, and John Keller, the acting head of the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, also resigned in response to the instructions to drop the charges, as did three other prosecutors in the Public Integrity Section.{{Cite web |last1=Winter |first1=Tom |last2=Dienst |first2=Jonathan |last3=Reilly |first3=Ryan J. |last4=Jarrett |first4=Laura |date=2025-02-13 |title=Federal prosecutors in New York and Washington resign after refusing to drop Adams charges |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/top-federal-prosecutor-ny-resigns-told-drop-adams-charges-rcna192030 |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=NBC News |language=en}} Hagan Scotten, the assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York who had been the lead prosecutor in the case against Adams resigned as well.{{Cite news |date=2025-02-14 |title=Read the Resignation Letter From Hagan Scotten |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/14/nyregion/scotten-letter.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250214154458/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/14/nyregion/scotten-letter.html |archive-date=2025-02-14 |access-date=2025-02-15 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last1=Bromwich |first1=Jonah E. |last2=Weiser |first2=Benjamin |last3=Rashbaum |first3=William K. |date=2025-02-14 |title=Hagan Scotten, Adams's Lead Prosecutor, Quits Defiantly |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/nyregion/adams-prosecutor-hagan-scotten-quits.html |access-date=2025-02-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} On February 17, 2025, comptroller Brad Lander released a public letter to Mayor Adams threatening to convene a meeting of the Inability Committee if Adams does not "develop and present a detailed contingency plan outlining how you intend to manage the City of New York."{{Cite web |last=Russo-Lennon |first=Barbara |date=2025-02-17 |title=City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams reacts to City Hall's mass resignations |url=https://www.amny.com/news/speaker-adams-mayor-adams-resign-lander-02172025/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=www.amny.com |language=en-US}}

In April 2025, the judge presiding over the federal indictment, Dale Ho, dismissed the case against Adams with prejudice, without opining on the merits of the case, as Ho cited inability to force the Justice Department to prosecute.

Investigations

= FBI investigation into Adams travel and campaign fundraising =

== Background ==

{{See also|2021 New York City mayoral election|2013 New York City borough president elections#Brooklyn Borough President|2017 New York City borough president elections#Brooklyn}}

Dating to the Brooklyn borough presidency, Eric Adams has faced press scrutiny regarding his foreign travel.{{Cite web |last=Sprung |first=Shlomo |date=2014-07-02 |title=Brooklyn's mixed message to China |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2014/07/02/brooklyns-mixed-message-to-china/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Brooklyn Eagle |language=en-US}} Adams has boasted in particular of his travel with Turkey, and of having met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.{{Cite web |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma |date=November 14, 2023 |title=Eric Adams's Turkey Ties: Travel, Donations and a Meeting With Erdogan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/nyregion/adams-turkey-investigation-nyc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114200505/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/nyregion/adams-turkey-investigation-nyc.html |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |access-date=November 14, 2023 |work=The New York Times}} In August 2015, the consulate-general of Turkey paid for Adams's trip to the country. As mayor, Adams boasts that no other mayor in New York City history had visited the country as often as he had.{{Cite web |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Mays |first3=Jeffrey |date=November 2, 2023 |title=U.S. Investigating Whether Adams Received Illegal Donations From Turkey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/02/nyregion/eric-adams-brianna-suggs-fbi-raid.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109221033/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/02/nyregion/eric-adams-brianna-suggs-fbi-raid.html |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=November 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}

In May 2021, employees of the Brooklyn construction firm KSK Construction donated a total of {{USD|14000}} to Adams's mayoral campaign, allowing the campaign to qualify for {{USD|18000}} in public matching funds. According to Politico, of the firm's 11 employees, 10 had not made a prior political donation; co-owner Erden Arkan had last donated to former Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz's campaign in 2009.{{Cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/07/a-construction-firm-rarely-made-campaign-contributions-then-adams-ran-00125845 |title=A construction firm rarely made campaign contributions. Then Adams ran. |date=November 7, 2023 |last=Chadha |first=Janaki |work=Politico |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110012432/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/07/a-construction-firm-rarely-made-campaign-contributions-then-adams-ran-00125845 |url-status=live }} KSK Construction is heavily financed by the Turkish bank VakıfBank, which is controlled by the Turkish state.{{Cite news |last=Bredderman |first=William |date=2023-11-07 |title=Construction Company in NYC Mayor Probe Got Millions From Turkish Bank |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/construction-company-in-nyc-mayor-probe-got-millions-from-turkish-bank |access-date=2024-09-29 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}

After securing the 2021 Democratic mayoral primary nomination in July, Adams urged then-fire-commissioner Daniel A. Nigro to allow the government of Turkey to occupy the Turkish House; the New York City Fire Department declined to sign off on the building, citing fire safety issues.{{Cite web |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Rothfeld |first3=Michael |date=November 12, 2023 |title=F.B.I. Examining Whether Adams Cleared Red Tape for Turkish Government |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/nyregion/eric-adams-investigation-turkey-consulate.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112141543/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/nyregion/eric-adams-investigation-turkey-consulate.html |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |access-date=November 10, 2023 |work=The New York Times}}

== Investigation ==

File:Mayor_Eric_Adams_Speaks_at_Flag-Raising_Ceremony_for_Türkiye.webm on October 27, 2023.]]

In spring 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York began a corruption investigation into alleged straw donors from the government of Turkey through construction company KSK Construction to Adams's 2021 campaign.{{Cite web |last1=Scannell |first1=Kara |last2=Pazmino |first2=Gloria |date=10 November 2023 |title=FBI seizes New York City Mayor Eric Adams' phones as part of federal investigation into fundraising |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/10/politics/eric-adams-phones-seized-fbi/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110211555/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/10/politics/eric-adams-phones-seized-fbi/index.html |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |access-date=November 10, 2023 |publisher=CNN}}

File:Rana Abbasova at Flag-Raising Ceremony for Türkiye hosted by Eric Adams.jpg

On November 2, 2023, investigators raided the Brooklyn home of Brianna Suggs, Adams's chief fundraiser. The search warrant, obtained by The New York Times, states agents seized three iPhones, two laptops, contribution card binders, and other documents. The Federal Bureau of Investigation searched a dozen locations that day,{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/mayor-eric-adams-investigation-campaign-money-foreign-influence/index.html |title=Investigation into NYC Mayor Adams focused on campaign money and possible foreign influence |date=November 14, 2023 |last=Miller |first=John |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114134752/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/14/politics/mayor-eric-adams-investigation-campaign-money-foreign-influence/index.html |url-status=live }} including the residence of former Turkish Airlines executive Cenk Öcal and Director of Protocol in the Mayor's Office for International Affairs Rana Abbasova.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/nyregion/nyc-adams-turkey-raid-aide.html |title=F.B.I. Raided Homes of Second Adams Aide and Ex-Turkish Airline Official |date=November 16, 2023 |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Rothfeld |first2=Michael |first3=Dana |last3=Rubinstein |last4=Hong |first4=Nicole |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117045643/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/16/nyregion/nyc-adams-turkey-raid-aide.html |url-status=live }} On November 3, investigators questioned Nigro over the Turkish House. Days after the raid at Suggs's home, the FBI seized at least two of Adams's cellphones and an iPad. Adams's campaign cooperated with the FBI's request.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/10/nyregion/adams-fbi-investigation-phones.html |title=F.B.I. Seizes Eric Adams's Phones as Campaign Investigation Intensifies |date=November 10, 2023 |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Rothfeld |first3=Michael |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110203039/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/10/nyregion/adams-fbi-investigation-phones.html |url-status=live }}

On April 5, 2024, the Times reported that the FBI was investigating flight upgrades Adams purportedly received on Turkish Airlines flights.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/05/nyregion/eric-adams-turkish-airlines-upgrades.html |title=F.B.I. Examining Free Airfare Upgrades Received by Adams |work=The New York Times |date=April 5, 2024 |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Rothfeld |first2=Michael |last3=Rubinstein |first3=Dana |access-date=April 5, 2024}} In July, investigators served grand jury subpoenas.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/15/nyregion/eric-adams-fbi-investigation.html |title=Eric Adams and His Campaign Receive Subpoenas in Federal Investigation |date=August 15, 2024 |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |work=The New York Times |access-date=August 15, 2024}}

In addition to the resignation and seizing of the phone of police commissioner Caban, Adams's counsel and chief legal adviser Lisa Zornberg resigned, as did deputy commissioner of public private partnerships and economic development Kristen Kaufman.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2024/09/19/1200336846/the-unraveling-of-eric-adams|title=The unraveling of Eric Adams' administration |date=September 19, 2024| website=NPR }} Director of Asylum Seeker Operations Molly Schaeffer was also visited by law enforcement, who served a federal subpoena on her.{{Cite web |last=Stark-Miller |first=Ethan |date=2024-09-20 |title=Top Adams aide overseeing migrant crisis response hit with federal subpoena: reports |url=https://www.amny.com/news/top-adams-aide-overseeing-migrant-crisis-response-hit-federal-subpoena/ |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=AM New York Metro |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Ostadan |first2=Bahar |date=2024-09-20 |title=Another Mayor Adams aide comes under federal scrutiny as officials visit her home and family |url=https://gothamist.com/news/another-mayor-adams-aide-comes-under-federal-scrutiny-as-officials-visit-her-home-and-family |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Gothamist |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Offenhartz |first=Jake |date=2024-09-20 |title=Federal authorities subpoena NYC mayor's director of asylum seeker operations |url=https://apnews.com/article/eric-adams-federal-investigations-molly-schaeffer-9fc468da431f023a9affb322f0298240 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Associated Press |language=en}}

== Reactions ==

Adams canceled several meetings at the White House to discuss the New York City migrant housing crisis following the raid. At a Day of the Dead celebration at Gracie Mansion that night, Adams stated that his campaign was up to the "highest ethical standards". Adams denied the accusations at New York City Hall press conference the following week, disclosing that he had retained the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/nyregion/eric-adams-turkey-raid.html |title=Mayor Adams Denies Wrongdoing and Retains Lawyer After Federal Raid |date=November 8, 2023 |last1=Dana |first1=Rubinstein |last2=Rashbaum |first2=William |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110010007/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/08/nyregion/eric-adams-turkey-raid.html |url-status=live }}

Following a report from The New York Times that Adams was being investigated over the construction of the Turkish House, Adams further denied wrongdoing{{Cite web |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4307177-eric-adams-nyt-not-accused-wrongdoing/ |title=Eric Adams on latest NYT report: 'I have not been accused of wrongdoing' |date=November 13, 2023 |last=Sforza |first=Lauren |work=The Hill |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114023401/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4307177-eric-adams-nyt-not-accused-wrongdoing/ |url-status=live }} and assured that he would continue to cooperate with investigators.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/12/politics/eric-adams-investigation-cooperate/index.html |title=New York Mayor Eric Adams says he'll continue to work with investigators as NYT reports new details on FBI probe |last1=Morales |first1=Mark |last2=Pazmino |first2=Gloria |last3=Beech |first3=Samantha |date=12 November 2023 |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113204350/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/12/politics/eric-adams-investigation-cooperate/index.html |url-status=live }} Adams and the City Hall's chief counsel requested the FBI cease leaks of its investigation.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mayor-eric-adams-city-hall-ask-fbi-to-cease-leaks-of-campaign-financing-probe/ |title=Mayor Eric Adams, City Hall ask FBI to cease leaks of campaign financing probe |date=November 13, 2023 |last=Rozner |first=Lisa |publisher=CBS News |access-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114002020/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mayor-eric-adams-city-hall-ask-fbi-to-cease-leaks-of-campaign-financing-probe/ |url-status=live }}

Brooklyn Democratic Party chairwoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn questioned whether the inquiry was related to Adams's race.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/nyregion/eric-adams-fbi-raid-suggs.html |title=F.B.I. Raid of Adams Ally Brings Corruption Question to Mayor's Doorstep |date=November 3, 2023 |last1=Fitzsimmons |first1=Emma |last2=Mays |first2=Jeffrey |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109202542/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/03/nyregion/eric-adams-fbi-raid-suggs.html |url-status=live }} State senator Leroy Comrie called the investigation a witch hunt.{{Cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/15/eric-adams-trump-fbi-new-york-00127490 |title=Republicans think Adams, like Trump, is getting a raw deal with the feds |date=November 15, 2023 |last1=Coltin |first1=Jeff |last2=Anuta |first2=Joe |work=Politico |access-date=November 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116000811/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/15/eric-adams-trump-fbi-new-york-00127490 |url-status=live }} Both Bichotte Hermelyn and Comrie have raised funds for Adams's legal defense fund.{{Cite web |last1=Hicks |first1=Nolan |last2=McCarthy |first2=Craig |date=2023-12-14 |title=Eric Adams names boosters for legal defense fund following federal raid |url=https://nypost.com/2023/12/14/metro/eric-adams-names-boosters-for-legal-defense-fund-following-federal-raid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214230947/https://nypost.com/2023/12/14/metro/eric-adams-names-boosters-for-legal-defense-fund-following-federal-raid/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=New York Post |archive-date=2023-12-14 |language=en-US}}{{Better source needed|reason=See WP:NYPOST.|date=September 2024}}

Representative Brandon Williams accused the investigation of being a "weaponization of the justice system" against Adams's critical comments towards president Joe Biden. New York City Council minority leader Joe Borelli defended Adams on Twitter. The New York Post{{'}}s editorial board questioned whether the investigation could be political retribution. Politico compared the rhetoric among Adams's supporters with Donald Trump's supporters.

The Campaign Finance Board rejected, later in the year, Adams's matching funds request for his reelection campaign. The campaign requested $4 million. Board chair Federick Schaffer explained that "the Board has determined there is reason to believe the Adams campaign has engaged in conduct detrimental to the matching funds program, in violation of law, including the Campaign Finance Act and Board Rules." The campaign can appeal the decision, or opt out of receiving matching funds altogether to raise the individual donor cap from $2,100 to $3,700.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Greg B. |date=December 16, 2024 |title=Eric Adams Campaign Denied Public Matching Funds, In Blow to Reelection Bid |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/12/16/eric-adams-denied-matching-funds/ |access-date=December 16, 2024 |work=The City}}

= NYPD, Caban brothers possible investigation =

File:Edward Caban 2024.jpeg

In early September 2024, federal agents, at the direction of the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, seized the phone of New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban. The probe focuses on nightclub protection services owned by Caban's twin brother, James Caban, who was fired from the NYPD in 2001 and also had his phone seized.{{Cite web |last=LaForgia |first=Michael |date=September 12, 2024 |title=Here Are the Investigations Surrounding the Administration of Eric Adams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/eric-adams-investigations.html |access-date=September 12, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} Edward Caban resigned on September 12, at the request of the Adams administration.{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Shayna |date=2024-09-12 |title=NYPD commissioner resigns amid federal corruption probe |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/09/12/nypd-commissioner-resigns-amid-corruption-probe/ |access-date=2024-09-12 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} According to Caban's lawyers, he has been told he is not a subject of investigation.{{Cite news |last=Ngo |first=Emily |date=September 12, 2024 |title=Top cop bounces, political left pounces |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook-pm/2024/09/12/nypd-edward-caban-eric-adam-new-york-00178942?nname=new-york-playbook-pm&nid=00000177-6f21-d412-abff-6ff79d730000&nrid=7fbb50ed-ea1a-4aff-a106-d6b8cc25c14a&nlid=2693080 |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=Politico}}

= Banks brothers bribery and corruption investigation =

The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is investigating a possible bribery scheme focusing on the consulting firm Pearl Alliance. The firm was founded by Terence Banks, the brother of Philip Banks III, deputy mayor of New York City for public safety, and David C. Banks, the New York City schools chancellor. Philip and David each oversaw public agencies that tendered contracts with clients of the Pearl Alliance. All three brothers had their phones seized.{{Cite web |last1=Rubinstein |first1=Dana |last2=Rashbaum |first2=William K. |last3=Harris |first3=Amy Julia |last4=Pallaro |first4=Bianca |last5=Rothfeld |first5=Michael |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Firm Run by Brother of Top N.Y.C. Officials Is Focus of Bribery Inquiry |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/10/nyregion/adams-banks-consultant-investigation.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=The New York Times}}

In September 2024, search warrants were served to employees of SaferWatch–also a client company of The Pearl Alliance–in relation to the possible corruption investigation.{{Cite web |last1=Simko-Bednarski |first1=Evan |last2=Sommerfeldt |first2=Chris |last3=Bamberger |first3=Cayla |date=13 September 2024 |title=Federal investigators search private firm that hired Terence Banks as part of NYC corruption probe |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/13/federal-investigators-search-private-firm-that-hired-terence-banks-as-part-of-nyc-corruption-probe/ |access-date=14 September 2024 |website=New York Daily News}} The New York City Police Department paid SaferWatch more than $67,000 since August 2023 for "school safety" services.{{Cite web |last=Simko-Bednarski |first=Evan |date=2024-09-08 |title=Terence Banks, brother of top NYC officials who is ensnared in federal probe, has clients with city contracts |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/08/terence-banks-brother-of-top-nyc-officials-ensnared-in-federal-probe-has-clients-with-city-contracts/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}

Under a cloud, Chancellor David C. Banks and Deputy Mayor Philip Banks III each resigned in the month of October 2024. David C. Banks tried to have his resignation at a later date, but said that Adams had "accelerated" the timeline of his resignation.{{Cite web |last1=Shen-Berro |first1=Julian |last2=Elsen-Rooney |first2=Michael |date=2024-10-02 |title=NYC schools Chancellor David Banks will step down in two weeks, months earlier than expected |url=https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/10/03/nyc-schools-chancellor-banks-to-retire-early/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Chalkbeat |language=en}}

= Winnie Greco investigation =

File:Marty Markowitz, Sun Guoxiang, and Winnie Greco 2011.jpg (center) and Marty Markowitz in 2011.]]

On February 29, 2024, the FBI searched New World Mall and two houses owned by Winnie Greco ({{zh|t=|s= 郑祺蓉|p=Zhèng Qíróng}}), Adams's Asian affairs advisor and a close aide of the mayor.{{Cite web |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William |last2=Fitzsimmons |first2=Emma |date=February 29, 2024 |title=F.B.I. Searches Houses Owned by Adams's Asian Affairs Adviser |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/29/nyregion/fbi-adams-greco-investigation-nyc.html |access-date=February 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}{{Cite news |last1=Anuta |first1=Joe |last2=Coltin |first2=Jeff |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Meet the New York City Hall community liaison whose house was raided by the FBI |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/04/winnie-greco-fbi-china-00144615 |access-date=March 4, 2024 |work=Politico}} Greco was also a prominent fundraiser for Adams's 2021 mayoral campaign. Greco reportedly raised money by via straw donors through a non-profit called the Alliance of Asian American Friends.{{Cite news |last1=Root |first1=Jay |last2=Pallaro |first2=Bianca |last3=Fitzsimmons |first3=Emma G. |last4=Forsythe |first4=Michael |last5=Tsui |first5=Karina |date=October 13, 2024 |title=She Was a Key Aide to Eric Adams. Her Ties to China Ran Deep. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/13/nyregion/adams-greco-china-influence-investigation.html |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=The New York Times}} The investigation is being conducted by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

= City leases investigation =

The Manhattan district attorney's office opened a further corruption investigation on October 9 on the city corruptly leasing commercial property. According to a source in The New York Times, the focus is on possible bribery and money laundering, among other possible crimes.{{Cite news |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Rothfeld |first3=Michael |date=October 9, 2024 |title=New Adams Administration Inquiry Focuses on City Leases |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/09/nyregion/nyc-aides-bribery-investigation-bragg.html |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}

The Southern District of New York served a grand jury subpoena to Ingrid Lewis-Martin, chief advisor to Adams since 2022, and took her phone as she returned to New York from a trip to Japan. She was accompanied by fellow Adams administration member and attorney Jesse Hamilton and Cushman & Wakefield real estate broker Diana Boutross, whose phones were also seized at the airport by the New York County District Attorney.{{Cite web |last=Crane-Newman |first=Molly |date=2024-10-03 |title=Mayor Adams administration real estate honcho Jesse Hamilton had phone seized at JFK: sources |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/10/03/mayor-adams-administration-real-estate-honcho-jesse-hamilton-had-phone-seized-at-jfk-sources/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Kaufman |first1=Maya |last2=Anuta |first2=Joe |last3=Coltin |first3=Jeff |date=3 October 2024 |title=Another Adams aide — and longtime friend — has phone seized |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/03/adams-aide-phone-seized-00182376 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241003193715/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/03/adams-aide-phone-seized-00182376 |archive-date=3 October 2024 |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=Politico}} Friends of Lewis-Martin and Boutross describe them to the Times as close friends of each other. At the same time, Lewis-Martin's home in Brooklyn was also searched. State investigators tied to the New York County District Attorney were present at both scenes.{{Cite web |first1=Katie |last1=Honan |first2=Greg B. |last2=Smith |first3=Gwynne |last3=Hogan |first4=Samantha |last4=Maldonado |date=2024-09-27 |title=Feds Serve Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Chief Advisor to Adams, With Subpoena and Raid Her Home |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/09/27/ingrid-lewis-martin-subpoena-eric-adams/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=The City |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Crane-Newman |first=Molly |date=2024-09-27 |title=Top Adams adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin raided, subpoenaed by state and federal authorities |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/27/top-adams-adviser-ingrid-lewis-martin-raid-subpoena-state-federal-authorities/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}

= Other phone seizures =

Timothy Pearson, a retired police inspector, Adams's former supervisor in the NYPD, and senior advisor and one his aides and confidants, had his phone seized by federal agents. It's unclear what investigation Pearson's phone seizure relates to.{{Cite news |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Adams Confidant Steps Down Amid Federal Corruption Investigations |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/nyregion/tim-pearson-resigns-adams.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241219054241/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/nyregion/tim-pearson-resigns-adams.html |archive-date=2024-12-19 |access-date=2024-12-23 |language=en}}

The phone of Sheena Wright, the NYC deputy mayor and fiancé of David Banks, was also seized.

Indictment

{{Infobox court case

| name = United States v. Adams

| court = United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

| image = USDCSDNY.svg

| imagesize = 150

| imagealt =

| imagelink =

| caption = Seal of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

| full name = United States of America v. Eric Adams

| date decided =

| citations =

| transcripts =

| judges = Dale Ho (District Judge){{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/nyregion/judge-ho-eric-adams.html |first=Hurubie |last=Meko |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Judge Presiding Over Adams Graft Case Fought for Civil Liberties |access-date=September 27, 2024}}

| charge = {{ulist

| Bribery (1 count)

| Solicitation of contributions by foreign nationals (2 counts)

| Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (1 count)

| Wire fraud (1 count)

}}

| docket = [https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/u.s._v._adams_indictment_1.pdf 24-cr-556]

| italic title = no

}}

File:Press_conference_to_announce_an_Indictment_charging_Eric_Adams,_the_Mayor_of_New_York_City.webm holds a press conference detailing the charges against Adams on September 26, 2024. Speaking are US Attorney Damian Williams, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Dennehy, and NYC Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber.]]

File:Police outside Gracie Mansion (74983).jpg on the day of Adams's arraignment]]

On September 25, 2024, The New York Times reported Adams had been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges.{{Cite web |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Rothfeld |first3=Michael |last4=Wong |first4=Edward |title=Eric Adams Is Indicted After Federal Corruption Investigation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/nyregion/eric-adams-indicted.html |website=The New York Times|date=September 25, 2024 }} The following morning, FBI agents entered his official residence at Gracie Mansion and seized his phone.{{Cite web |last=Offenhartz |first=Jake |date=2024-09-26 |title=FBI seizes NYC mayor's phone ahead of expected unsealing of indictment |url=https://apnews.com/article/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-indictment-fbi-5aad135d1808cb9d049fccd74604e5d4 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Associated Press |language=en}} On September 26, the case against Adams was assigned, unsealing the indictment and revealing that the charges against him, which are as follows:

1 count of conspiracy to defraud the United States ({{USC|18|371}})
1 count of wire fraud ({{Usc|18|1343}} and {{USCSub2|18|2}})
2 counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national ({{USCSub|52|30121}}, {{USCSub2|18|30109|d|1|A}}, and {{USCSub2|18|2}})
1 count of bribery ({{USCSub|18|666|a|1|B}}){{Cite web |last1=Meko |first1=Hurubie |last2=Shao |first2=Elena |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Tracking Charges and Investigations in Eric Adams's Orbit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/nyregion/eric-adams-investigations.html |access-date=September 26, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, claimed that Adams took over $100,000 in bribes from Turkey in exchange for using his powers to help open the Turkevi Center. These bribes mostly took the form of free and discounted luxury travel benefits. These benefits included free hotel rooms, free meals at high-end restaurants, free entertainment while in Turkey, free and heavily discounted flights, and similarly free and discounted flight class upgrades.{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Eric Adams Live Updates: Mayor Is Defiant as He Is Charged With Bribery and Fraud |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/09/26/nyregion/eric-adams-indicted-news?smid=url-share |website=The New York Times}} In exchange for these perks, Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department to approve the opening of a new Turkish consular building without a fire inspection. The indictment claims that the building would have failed the fire inspection, and that the FDNY official responsible for the building assessment was told he would lose his job if he did not allow the building to open.{{Cite news |last1=Rothfeld |first1=Michael |last2=Hong |first2=Nicole |last3=Pallaro |first3=Bianca |date=2024-09-26 |title=Here Are the Charges Eric Adams Faces, Annotated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/09/26/nyregion/eric-adams-indictment-charges-annotated.html |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

The indictment alleges Adams deliberately omitted the gifts' value from his annual New York City Conflicts of Interest Board disclosures, and notes communications suggestive of a cover-up. The indictment also alleges that Adams and his Turkish contacts conspired to hide the ultimate source of campaign contributions through an illegal straw donor scheme that defrauded the matching funds of the New York City Campaign Finance Board. The indictment also notes that Turkish officials pressed a staffer for assurances that Adams would boycott 2022 commemorations of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, in line with Turkey's official policy of Armenian genocide denial, and that Adams appeared to comply with the request.{{Cite web |last=McPhee |first=Michele |date=2024-09-26 |title=Feds: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Took Bribes From Turkish Official To Ignore Armenian Genocide |url=https://lamag.com/news/feds-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-took-bribes-from-turkish-official-to-ignore-armenian-genocide |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=LAmag |language=en}}

Adams is the first sitting mayor of New York City to have been indicted on federal crimes and pleaded not guilty on September 27.{{cite web |last1=Jacobs |first1=Shayna |last2=Burman |first2=Mark |last3=Barrett |first3=Devlin |date=September 27, 2024 |title=As N.Y. mayor pleads not guilty, investigators stop top aide at airport |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/09/27/eric-adams-court-nyc-mayor-arraignment/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240928005919/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/09/27/eric-adams-court-nyc-mayor-arraignment/ |archive-date=28 September 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/nyc-mayor-adams-investigations-f384ecdbf6a7b6664bd898e7ebce6e0f |first1=Jack |last1=Offenspartz |first2=Michael R. |last2=Sisak |website=The Associated Press |date=September 27, 2024 |title=New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions |access-date=September 27, 2024}}

= Continued investigations =

Investigations into the Adams administration continued after his indictment.

Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a chief advisor, was issued a grand jury subpoena on September 27 by the US Attorney's Office relating to the Adams case. On December 15, 2024, Lewis-Martin resigned from her position as chief adviser, with the mayor's office framing her departure as a "planned retirement." Lewis-Martin's departure followed a high-profile legal inquiry into allegations that she had accepted improper gifts during her time in office. She has publicly denied these accusations, stating that she "never took any gifts, money, or anything" while in her role and had not made arrangements for others to receive benefits on her behalf.

The investigation into Lewis-Martin intensified in late September 2024, when prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office searched her home and seized her personal phones. Upon returning from a flight from Japan, she was met at the airport by both federal and Manhattan prosecutors. The investigation involves a grand jury, which invited Lewis-Martin to testify, but she declined. Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, asserted that the investigation was politically motivated and that the grand jury's decision was predetermined.

The New York City Department of Investigation raided Queens offices of the New York City Sheriff's Office. Reports indicate the raid was seeking cash and records kept by the Sheriff's Office, part of controversies surrounding chain of custody following the Sheriff's closure of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries.{{Cite web |last1=Marino |first1=Joe |last2=Celona |first2=Larry |last3=McCarthy |first3=Craig |last4=Reilly |first4=Patrick |date=2024-09-26 |title=NYC sheriff's office raided by DOI as part of probe into Anthony Miranda, illegal pot shop cash seizures: sources |url=https://nypost.com/2024/09/26/us-news/nyc-sheriffs-office-raided-by-doi-as-part-of-probe-into-anthony-miranda-illegal-pot-shop-cash-seizures-sources/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last1=Sommerfeldt |first1=Chris |last2=Parascandola |first2=Rocco |last3=Mixson |first3=Colin |date=2024-09-26 |title=NYC Department of Investigation raids Queens Sheriff's office amid probe |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/26/nyc-department-of-investigation-raids-queens-sheriffs-office-amid-probe/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}

FBI agents also served warrants at 375 Pearl Street where Adams associates Philip Banks III and Timothy Pearson keep offices.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Tina |date=2024-09-28 |title=Exclusive {{!}} Fed agents raid NYPD office where top Adams officials work: sources |url=https://nypost.com/2024/09/28/us-news/fed-agents-raid-nypd-office-where-top-adams-officials-work-sources/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}

=Related arrest=

File:Mohamed Bahi (Bahe) Exiting Federal Court.jpg exiting federal court after arraignment ]]

On October 8, 2024, Mohamed Bahi, Mayor Adams's Chief Liaison to the Muslim community, who was believed to have played a prominent role in encouraging witnesses to lie and destroying evidence in connection with illegal contributions to Adams's mayoral campaign, was arrested and charged with witness tampering and destruction of evidence.

Bahi was charged the day after he resigned as the Adams administration's chief liaison to the Muslim community. The same day, Bahi was arraigned in Manhattan federal court, where his bail was set at $250,000. Bahi would not enter a plea during his arraignment. He faces up to 20 years of prison time on each count.[https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/resignation-of-aide-signals-trouble-for-mayor-eric-adams-45006 "Resignation Of Aide Signals Trouble For Mayor Eric Adams,"] The Pinnacle Gazette.

=Dismissal with prejudice=

Adams' indictment was dismissed with prejudice in April 2025 by judge Dale Ho, who wrote that the court "cannot force the Department of Justice to prosecute a defendant."{{cite news |title=US judge dismisses corruption case against New York mayor |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250402-judge-dismisses-corruption-case-against-ny-mayor |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=France 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=April 2, 2025}} Ho highlighted that the dismissal was "not about whether Mayor Adams is innocent or guilty"; the dismissal "does not express any opinion as to the merits of the case or whether the prosecution of Mayor Adams 'should' move forward".{{cite news |last1=Zanger |first1=Jesse |last2=Kramer |first2=Marcia |title=NYC Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case dismissed with prejudice, judge rules |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-corruption-case-dropped/ |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=CBS News |date=April 2, 2025}}

Ho commented that the Justice Department's dismissal request "smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions", while rejecting the Justice Department's argument that the case against Adams was election interference, as Adams' case was "entirely consistent with prior public corruption prosecutions".{{cite news |last1=Lavietes |first1=Matt |last2=Atkins |first2=Chloe |title=NYC Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case dismissed; judge says charges can't be used as 'leverage' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/eric-adams-corruption-case-permanently-dismissed-rcna199266 |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=NBC News |date=April 3, 2025}}

Ho declined to dismiss without prejudice as requested by the Justice Department, as Ho wrote that doing so risked Adams becoming seemingly "more beholden to the demands of the federal government than to the wishes of his own constituents", as it would appear that Adams' "freedom depends on his ability to carry out the immigration enforcement priorities" of the Trump administration.{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Luc |title=Judge dismisses New York mayor's corruption case, slams Trump administration 'bargain' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-corruption-case-dismissed-cannot-be-brought-again-2025-04-02/ |access-date=April 3, 2025 |work=Reuters |date=April 3, 2025}}

Responses to the indictment

There have been many responses to the investigation and indictment of Adams, dividing on the questions of whether the charges are fair and whether Adams should remain in office while awaiting trial.

If Adams resigns, the acting mayor would be Jumaane Williams, the NYC public advocate.{{Cite web |last1=Fitzsimmons |first1=Emma |last2=Mays |first2=Jeffrey |date=September 26, 2024 |title=As Adams faces calls to resign, Jumaane Williams may play a pivotal role. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/nyregion/jumaane-williams-mayor-adams.html?smid=url-share |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} Williams would be required to hold an election within 80 days.{{Cite news |last=Helmore |first=Edward |date=2024-09-26 |title=New York mayor Eric Adams faces calls to resign after indictment and dawn raid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/26/eric-adams-aoc-calls-resign |access-date=2024-09-26 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} New York Governor Kathy Hochul is the only New York official who could unilaterally suspend and remove Adams. On September 26, 2024, Hochul called the indictment "the latest in a disturbing pattern of events," but stopped well short of demanding a resignation, saying that "it's now up to Mayor Adams to show the City that he is able to lead."{{Cite web |title=Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul {{!}} Governor Kathy Hochul |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-31 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=www.governor.ny.gov |language=en}}

Adams has stated that he does not plan to resign.

= Public opinion =

A Marist College poll conducted from September 30 to October 1, 2024, of 1,073 registered voters in New York City found that 65% of respondents believed Adams had committed illegal acts, and 70% wanted him to resign; if he doesn't resign, 63% wanted Hochul to remove him.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/04/eric-adams-resignation-poll-00182509|title=Most New Yorkers want Adams to resign, poll finds|date=October 4, 2024|access-date=October 4, 2024|last1=Coltin|first1=Jeff|last2=Facciola|first2=Timmy|website=Politico}} By March 2025, Adams's approval rating had fallen to just 20%, the lowest in the nearly 30-year history of Quinnipiac University's NYC mayoral polling.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/nyregion/eric-adams-poll-nyc-mayor.html |title=Most Voters Want Eric Adams to Resign as Approval Rating Hits Record Low |first=Jeffery C. |last=Mays |work=The New York Times |date=March 5, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025}}

= Statements of support for Adams=

File:Kathy Hochul March 2024.jpg]]

File:Joe Borelli 2023.jpeg]]

Months ahead of his indictment, Adams named a number of his allies as fundraisers for of his legal defense fund.{{Better source needed|reason=See WP:NYPOST.|date=September 2024}} These allies gave Adams quotes in support after the indictment as well:

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, State Assembly member and Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party{{Cite web |title=Brooklyn Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn discusses Adams' arraignment |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2024/09/28/brooklyn-assemblywoman-discusses-adams--arraignment |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=NY1 |language=en}}
Hazel Nell Dukes, former president of the NAACP{{Cite web |title=NAACP's Hazel Dukes reacts to Mayor Eric Adams indictment |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/breaking-news/naacps-hazel-dukes-reacts-to-mayor-eric-adams-indictment/5832098/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=WNBC |language=en-US}}
Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative and House Minority Leader{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/04/jeffries-says-eric-adams-should-not-resign-00182570|title=Jeffries says Eric Adams should not resign|date=October 4, 2024|access-date=October 5, 2024|last=Wu|first=Nicholas|website=Politico}}
David Paterson, former Governor of New York{{Cite web |last=Caragliano |first=Mike |date=September 27, 2024 |title=David Paterson Explains Why Kathy Hochul Should Let Eric Adams Decide To Go |url=https://710wor.iheart.com/content/2024-09-27-david-paterson-explains-why-kathy-hochul-should-let-eric-adams-decide-to-go/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=710 WOR |language=en}}
Jenifer Rajkumar, State Assembly member{{Cite web |last=Shkurhan |first=Iryna |date=2024-09-27 |title=Assembly Member Rajkumar breaks silence on Mayor Adams' indictment, defends due process amid calls for resignation – QNS |url=https://qns.com/2024/09/assembly-member-rajkumar-breaks-silence-on-mayor-adams-indictment-defends-due-process-amid-calls-for-resignation/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Queens Courier |language=en-US}}

Politico compared the rhetoric among Adams's supporters with Donald Trump's supporters, and noted the support of Republicans for Adams:

New York City Council minority leader Joe Borelli defended Adams on Twitter.
Representative Brandon Williams accused the investigation of being a "weaponization of the justice system" against Adams's critical comments towards President Joe Biden.
The New York Post{{'}}s editorial board questioned if the investigation could be political retribution.
Donald Trump has claimed Adams is being politically persecuted for his stance on immigration and would consider offering Adams a pardon upon returning to the presidency.{{Cite web |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma Graves |date=2024-12-16 |title=Trump Says He Would Consider Pardoning Eric Adams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/16/nyregion/trump-pardon-eric-adams.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216221439/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/16/nyregion/trump-pardon-eric-adams.html |archive-date=2024-12-16 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=The New York Times}}

Tablet editor-in-chief Liel Leibovitz opined that Jews should stand with Adams, "a hero to Jews and New Yorkers" for his "zero-tolerance approach to the Hamasniks in our streets."{{Cite web |last=Leibovitz |first=Liel |author-link=Liel Leibovitz |date=26 September 2024 |title=The Jews Should Stand With Eric Adams |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/new-york-jews-eric-adams-democratic-party-lawfare |website=Tablet}}

National Action Network founder Al Sharpton told the press, "I have known Eric Adams for 35 years. I’ve never known him to have any leanings towards criminality. He [deserves] due process." He also counseled Hochul against the use of her constitutional power to remove Adams.{{Cite web |last1=Calder |first1=Rich |last2=Roberts |first2=Georgett |last3=Sedacca |first3=Matthew |date=2024-09-28 |title=Al Sharpton calls for NY pols meeting on Adams corruption |url=https://nypost.com/2024/09/28/us-news/al-sharpton-calls-for-ny-pols-meeting-on-adams-corruption/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}

=Calls for Adams's resignation=

On September 26, 2024, the day the indictment was unsealed, The New York Times editorial board ran the opinion article "Eric Adams Should Resign."{{Cite web |last=The Editorial Board |date=26 September 2024 |title=Eric Adams Should Resign |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/opinion/eric-adams-indictment-resign.html |website=The New York Times}} The Staten Island Advance editorial of September 27 pressed for Adams's resignation, saying "We can’t see Eric Adams focusing much on city business over the months he’ll be dealing with the charges if he remains in office."{{Cite web |last=Editorial |first=Staten Island Advance |date=2024-09-27 |title=For the good of the city, Mayor Adams must resign {{!}} Our Opinion |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2024/09/for-the-good-of-the-city-mayor-adams-must-resign-our-opinion.html |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=silive |language=en}}

Dozens of elected officials, political groups, and other notable individuals called for Adams's resignation or removal, especially following his indictment, including:

United States Congress

File:Nydia Velázquez official portrait.jpg]]

Laura Gillen, Representative (D-NY-04){{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/nyregion/eric-adams-resign.html |title=Adams Forcefully Resists Calls to Resign: 'I Am Going Nowhere' |first1=Emma G. |last1=Fitzsimmons |first2=Sean |last2=Piccoli |work=The New York Times |date=February 16, 2025 |access-date=February 20, 2025}}
Nicole Malliotakis, Representative (R-NY-11)
Jerry Nadler, Representative (D-NY-12)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Representative (D-NY-14){{cite news |last1=Mendez |first1=Rich |last2=Donaldson |first2=Sahalie |last3=Pretsky |first3=Holly |last4=Sterne |first4=Peter |title=Eric Adams has been indicted. Who is calling on him to resign? |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/09/who-calling-eric-adams-resign/399570/ |website=City & State |access-date=February 22, 2025}}
Elise Stefanik, Representative (R-NY-21)
Ritchie Torres, Representative (D-NY-15){{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/17/politics/eric-adams-trump-democrats/ |title=Eric Adams' embrace of Trump unites Democrats against the New York City mayor |first1=Edward-Isaac |last1=Dovere |first2=Gloria |last2=Pazmino |work=CNN |date=February 17, 2025 |access-date=February 22, 2025}}
Nydia M. Velazquez, Representative (D-NY-07)

Statewide officials

Antonio Delgado, Lieutenant Governor{{cite news |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2025/02/17/city-council-speaker-adrienne-adams-calls-on-eric-adams-to-step-down |title=City Council speaker calls on Adams to step down after four deputy mayors resign |work=Spectrum News NY1 |date=February 17, 2025 |access-date=February 19, 2025}}

New York State Senators

File:(12-28-20) Newly Elected NYS Senator Jabari Brisport (cropped).jpg]]

Jabari Brisport
Iwen Chu
Michael Gianaris, Deputy Majority Leader
Kristen Gonzalez
Andrew Gounardes
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Liz Krueger{{cite news |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/02/14/eric-adams-kathy-hochul-governor-firing-mayor-calls/ |title=Who Is Calling For Eric Adams to Resign or Be Removed |first1=Katie |last1=Honan |first2=Rachel |last2=Kahn |first3=Samantha |last3=Maldonado |work=The City |date=February 18, 2025 |access-date=February 20, 2025}}
John Liu
*Zellnor Myrie
*Jessica Ramos
Gustavo Rivera
Julia Salazar
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Majority Leader

New York State Assembly Members

File:Phara Souffrant Forrest, June 18, 2020.jpg]]

Robert Carroll
Harvey Epstein
Phara Souffrant Forrest
Emily Gallagher
Jessica González-Rojas
Grace Lee
*Zohran Mamdani{{Cite web |title=Meet Zohran Mamdani, the Socialist Running for NYC Mayor |url=https://jacobin.com/2024/10/socialist-mayor-nyc-zohran-mamdani |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=jacobin.com |language=en-US}}
Marcela Mitaynes
Daniel J. O'Donnell
Karines Reyes
Linda Rosenthal
Sarahana Shrestha{{cite news |last=Sterne |first=Peter |title=With Eric Adams refusing to resign, who is calling for him to be removed from office? |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2025/02/eric-adams-refusing-resign-who-calling-him-be-removed-office/403032/ |website=City & State |access-date=February 22, 2025}}
Jo Anne Simon
Tony Simone
Claire Valdez

Citywide officials

* **Brad Lander, Comptroller
Jumaane Williams, Public Advocate

Borough Presidents

Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn

New York City Council Members

Other notable figures and organizations

*Michael Blake, former New York State Assembly member and Democratic National Committee vice chair
*Scott Stringer, former New York City comptroller and 2021 New York City mayoral candidate
Andrew Yang, 2021 New York City mayoral candidate and 2020 presidential candidate{{Cite web |author=Kaitlin Lewis |date=2024-09-26 |title=Full list of Democrats calling for New York's Eric Adams to resign |url=https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-democrats-calling-new-yorks-eric-adams-resign-1959546 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}
Chivona Newsome, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Greater New York chapter
The New York City Democratic Socialists of America chapter{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Eric Adams Live Updates: Federal Agents Search Mayor's Residence After Indictment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/09/26/nyregion/eric-adams-indicted-news/d372b865-b519-5442-ba32-facb550689cd?smid=url-share |website=The New York Times}}

*Declared candidacy in the upcoming 2025 New York City mayoral election.

**Member of the five-person Inability Committee that could initiate the mayor's removal with four votes.

=City officials' resignations=

File:Banks2023.jpg]]

File:Sheena Wright First Deputy Mayor Makes Announcement at Beastie Boys Mural (cropped).jpg]]

Before and after the Adams indictment, a number of city officials resigned from his administration, including:

Mohamed Bahi, the mayor's Chief Liaison to the Muslim community
David C. Banks, Schools Chancellor
Philip Banks III, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety{{Cite web |title=Deputy mayor of public safety resigns, Adams says |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/10/07/deputy-mayor-of-public-safety-resigns--adams-says- |date=2024-10-07 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NY1}}
Edward Caban, Police Commissioner
Ahsan Chutgai, Adams's senior Muslim adviser{{Cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Craig |last2=Celona |first2=Larry |last3=Bhole |first3=Aneeta |last4=Troutman |first4=Matt |date=2024-10-07 |title=Longtime Adams confidante Winnie Greco resigns and staffer believed to be cooperating with feds is fired |url=https://nypost.com/2024/10/07/us-news/longtime-adams-confidante-winnie-greco-resigns-and-staffer-believed-to-be-cooperating-with-feds-is-fired-as-city-hall-shakeup-continues/ |access-date=2024-10-08}}
Winnie Greco, Adams's Asian affairs advisor{{Cite web |first1=Katie |last1=Honan |first2=Yoav |last2=Gonen |date=2024-10-07 |title=Winnie Greco, Longtime Aide to Mayor Adams, Resigns in Latest Exit from a City Hall Under Federal Probes |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/10/07/winnie-greco-eric-adams-rana-abbasova/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=The City}}
Kristen Kaufman, a Deputy Commissioner in the Mayor's Office for International Affairs{{cite news |title=Another Adams administration official resigns, third senior-level departure in a week |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/adams-administration-official-resigns-third-senior-departure-week/5807582 |last1 =Russo|first1 =Melissa|last2=Dienst|first2=Jonathan|publisher=WNBC|date=September 18, 2024}}
Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams's chief adviser{{Cite web |last1=Izaguirre |first1=Anthony |last2=Offenhartz |first2=Jake |date=2024-12-16 |title=Chief adviser to NYC Mayor Eric Adams resigns and expects to be indicted |url=https://apnews.com/article/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-aide-resigns-fdd0a399e1ed94c4a30c0a81798bba51 |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Associated Press}}
Timothy Pearson, Economic Development Corporation staff, longtime Adams confidant and advisor
Ashwin Vasan, Health Commissioner{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Caroline |date=2024-10-15 |title=NYC health commissioner to step down Friday, months earlier than expected |url=https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-health-commissioner-to-step-down-friday-months-earlier-than-expected |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Gothamist}}
Sheena Wright, first deputy mayor{{Cite web |last1=Rubinstein |first1=Dana |last2=Rashbaum |first2=William K. |date=Oct 8, 2024 |title=Adams's Top Deputy Mayor Resigns, Intensifying Wave of Departures |website=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/08/nyregion/sheena-wright-resigns-eric-adams.html }}
Lisa Zornberg, former counsel and chief legal advisor to the Mayor{{cite news |last1=Fadulu |first1=Lola |date=September 26, 2024 |title=These Are the N.Y.C. Officials Who Resigned Ahead of the Adams Indictment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/26/nyregion/nyc-resignations-banks-caban-adams.html |access-date=2024-09-27 |work=The New York Times}}
On February 17, 2025, it was reported that four of the eight deputy mayors under Adams would be resigning:{{Cite news |last1=Rashbaum |first1=William K. |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |last3=Fitzsimmons |first3=Emma G. |date=2025-02-17 |title=4 Top Officials Expected to Resign Over Adams's Cooperation with Trump |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/nyregion/adams-deputy-mayors-resign-trump-immigration.html |access-date=2025-02-17 |work=The New York Times}}
Maria Torres-Springer
Anne Williams-Isom
Meera Joshi
Chauncey Parker