By Axios | Created at 2024-09-26 15:19:42 | Updated at 2024-09-30 07:26:40
3 days ago
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery and fraud in an indictment unsealed Thursday following a months-long federal investigation into whether his campaign illegally conspired with Turkish entities to collect foreign donations.
Why it matters: Adams is the first NYC mayor to face criminal charges while serving in office.
Driving the news: Adams was indicted on five counts, including two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national.
- "If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit," Adams said prior to the indictment being unsealed.
Zoom out: Several of Adams' allies have also found themselves entangled in the expansive legal web, as four separate corruption probes of individual's in Adams' orbit play out.
- The first investigation, which culminated with Thursday's unsealed indictment, emerged last November and explored the 2021 Adams campaign's ties to Turkish groups.
- The probe burst onto the national stage when federal agents raided the home of the mayor's chief fundraiser.
- The FBI also raided of the homes of two of Adams' top aides and issued subpoenas for the cellphones of at least seven people in the NYPD.
- New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned from his post earlier this month.
What we're watching: Adams faces reelection — and tough primary opposition — in 2025.
- But for now, the indicted Adams remains in one of the most closely watched local positions in the country.
- He has no legal obligation to leave office if he's charged with a crime, but Gov. Kathy Hochul is could remove him.
