New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces federal corruption accusations, with his trial scheduled by a U.S. judge for April 21, 2025.
During a Manhattan court session on Friday, U.S. District Judge Dale Ho set the date, despite Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, advocating for the trial to begin in March to ensure Adams’s participation in the June Democratic primary.
Reuters noted Spiro’s concerns over potential “grave, grave democratic concerns” if Adams lacks sufficient time to vindicate himself before election day.
The Democrat lawmaker has maintained his innocence since September when he pleaded not guilty, but Spiro believes the time frame “doesn’t give him a realistic chance” to seek reelection.
Judge Ho noted the necessity for an exhaustive legal process, which entails additional time to examine evidence, including any classified documents.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged Adams, alleging he accepted bribes such as flight upgrades, luxury hotel accommodation, and illicit campaign donations.
These were reportedly in exchange for exerting influence on city officials to approve Turkey’s 36-story consulate, allegedly ignoring safety issues.
Prosecutors stated, “It should be clear from the face of the indictment that there is nothing routine about a public official accepting over $100,000 in benefits,” alleging that Adams tried to hide his actions with false documentation.
Adams’ defense argues that the bribery charges are “extraordinarily vague,” suggesting the benefits received were “classic gratuities” and permissible based on recent Supreme Court rulings if given for past actions.
Adams alleges that the Biden Department of Justice is targeting him due to his stance on the illegal immigration issue.
He recently stated, “I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target, and a target I became,” Adams said about resisting migrants flooding the city.
“I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting injustice my entire life,” he added.
“That fight has continued as your mayor,” he said at the time. “Despite our pleas, when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics.”
How does it feel Mayor Eric Adams, to be the subject of a witch hunt by fellow democrats?
Republicans have been living with this bs all four years with Biden and his gang.
Every member of Congress needs to go to trial then, because they all receive gifts and lobby money (bribes)..