Federal prosecutors are pushing back against Mayor Eric Adams’ attempt to dismiss a bribery count. They argue that the mayor acknowledged returning favors to Turkish officials who allegedly arranged illegal campaign donations and travel perks for him. The prosecutors highlighted a conversation indicating a pre-existing bargain between Adams and the Turkish government. Adams allegedly pressured the FDNY to certify a building for the Turkish consulate and later requested luxury travel perks. His attorneys argue that the perks were not bribes, but prosecutors contend that Adams sought extravagant perks in advance, not as last-minute upgrades. The case is moving quickly towards trial.
Federal prosecutors strongly oppose Mayor Eric Adams’ motion to dismiss a key bribery count against him in response to his indictment by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Willians. Adams attempted to dismiss the bribery count by claiming he was not doing favors for the Turkish government but was merely providing routine constituent services. However, prosecutors refuted this by highlighting a conversation where Adams acknowledged returning a favor to Turkish officials who allegedly provided illegal campaign donations and travel perks for him.
The critical exchange took place after Adams won the primary and was set to win the general election. He had received free and discounted airfare, luxury hotel stays, and other perks from the Turkish government for trips to various countries. The indictment alleges that the Turkish consul general informed a campaign volunteer that because Turkey had supported Adams, it was now his turn to support Turkey. When the volunteer relayed this information to Adams, he replied, “I know.”
Subsequently, Adams began communicating with the fire commissioner to facilitate the opening of a newly built tower near the United Nations that housed the Turkish consulate. The building received a temporary certification order signed by an inspector who feared repercussions if he refused. Prosecutors argued that Adams acknowledged a pre-existing bargain and later requested over $12,000 in luxury travel as payment for pressuring the FDNY.
Adams directed a campaign volunteer to arrange a vacation to Turkey for himself and his companion, which included upgrades to business class seats and other perks arranged by Turkish officials. Despite receiving free and discounted travel perks worth $120,000 from 2016 to 2021, Adams did not report this on his financial disclosure forms.
Adams’ attorney dismissed the allegations as merely receiving airline upgrades and argued that travelers often receive last-minute upgrades. However, prosecutors portrayed the mayor as intentionally seeking extravagant perks in advance to create the appearance of paying his own way while receiving free accommodations.
Regarding a luxury trip to Turkey worth $20,000 that Adams planned with a Turkish official but canceled at the last minute, his attorney claimed he received no benefit. Prosecutors countered by highlighting that few individuals could reserve a week-long luxury trip to a foreign country and receive a full refund after canceling on the day of departure.
The case is expected to move towards trial quickly, with the judge set to weigh the arguments and make a ruling soon. The aggressive schedule aims to resolve the matter efficiently.
Source: TheCity.NYC
