Learn about the first New York City mayor to be indicted and the little-known predecessor who also faced criminal charges 150 years ago.
In a recent development, federal agents conducted a search at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor, as part of a corruption investigation. This search has brought attention to the name A. Oakey Hall, a mayor from the Boss Tweed era known as Elegant Oakey, who was the only mayor in the city’s history to face criminal charges while in office. Mayor Eric Adams has now become the second sitting mayor to be indicted, the first since the consolidation of the five boroughs in 1898, and the first to face federal charges.
The indictment against Mayor Adams alleges that he sought and accepted improper benefits over the past decade, including during his time as Brooklyn borough president. This adds to a series of troubling events that have marked the Adams administration as a part of New York City’s history of municipal scandals.
Mayor Adams now joins the ranks of past mayors like James J. Walker, William O’Dwyer, and Edward I. Koch, who have all faced their share of controversies during their time in office. These scandals have varied in nature, from enjoying nightlife to issues related to trust and fashion sense.
Throughout history, New York City mayors have often faced scandals, with some being able to navigate through them successfully while others have been overwhelmed by the controversies. The recent indictment of Mayor Adams adds another chapter to the city’s long history of political scandals.
Source: The NY Times
