Mayor Eric Adams’ lawyers in New York have filed a memo disputing that the behavior outlined in his indictment constitutes bribery.
In a recent development, lawyers representing Mayor Eric Adams have filed a motion to dismiss the bribery charge against him in federal court. This move provides an initial insight into the defense strategy to combat the first federal indictment of a sitting mayor in modern New York City history. The defense team, in a 25-page document, contends that the allegations against Mayor Adams do not align with the federal definition of bribery. They reference a recent Supreme Court decision that has heightened the standard for prosecutors in pursuing corruption cases.
The legal filing comes shortly after federal prosecutors in Manhattan unveiled a five-count indictment against Mayor Adams, which includes accusations of bribery and fraud. According to prosecutors, Mayor Adams purportedly received luxury travel perks exceeding $100,000 and illicit campaign donations from Turkey. In return for these favors, he allegedly provided political advantages to Turkish officials.
Mayor Adams has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges last week. This situation is evolving, and further updates will be provided.
Mayor Eric Adams’ legal team has submitted a request to a federal judge to dismiss the bribery charge leveled against him. This action offers an early glimpse into the defense strategy aimed at challenging the first federal indictment of a current mayor in modern New York City history. The defense attorneys, in a comprehensive 25-page submission, argued that the allegations against Mayor Adams do not meet the federal criteria for bribery. They cited a recent Supreme Court ruling that has raised the threshold for prosecutors in pursuing corruption cases.
This legal maneuver comes shortly after federal prosecutors in Manhattan brought forth a five-count indictment against Mayor Adams, which includes bribery and fraud charges. Prosecutors allege that Mayor Adams accepted luxury travel benefits valued at over $100,000 and unlawful campaign contributions from Turkey. In return for these favors, Mayor Adams supposedly provided political favors to Turkish officials.
Mayor Adams has maintained his innocence, asserting that he has not engaged in any unlawful activities. He formally pleaded not guilty to the charges last week. This situation is rapidly evolving, and additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Source: The NY Times
