Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal bribery and campaign finance charges and is using a legal defense fund to pay for his high-priced lawyers. The fund is in significant debt but has raised over $1.8 million, mostly spent on legal fees. Adams has hired attorney Alex Spiro, known for charging high rates, to defend him. The case is ongoing, with a trial likely to start in the spring. Adams is also struggling to raise funds for his 2025 re-election bid, and there are concerns about whether he will qualify for public matching funds given the allegations against him.
Mayor Eric Adams is facing federal bribery and campaign finance charges and is determined to fight to clear his name. He has set up a legal defense fund to cover his expenses, but the fund is already in debt. Despite raising over $1.8 million in donations, the fund is facing financial challenges as it has already spent a significant portion on legal fees.
The fund, overseen by the city’s ethics board, limits donations to $5,000 per person. However, it has already burned through most of its funds to pay legal fees to two firms representing Adams in his criminal case and overseeing his re-election bid. Despite the financial strain, Adams has received some legal services at a discount to manage costs.
Adams has hired high-priced lawyers, including attorney Alex Spiro, known for charging $2,000 per hour. Spiro has a reputation for aggressively defending high-profile clients and refusing to compromise. Adams has proclaimed his intention to run for re-election next year and fight back against the charges brought against him.
The legal battle is set to continue with a trial scheduled for the spring, just before the June primary. Adams’ legal defense fund has already spent a substantial amount on legal fees and is yet to disclose payments to Spiro. The fund relies on donations from individuals, with strict limits on contributions.
Adams is also struggling to raise funds for his 2025 re-election bid. Since his indictment, he has received minimal donations, and his campaign fundraising has fallen short compared to other candidates. The City Campaign Finance Board will decide whether Adams qualifies for public matching funds, which are at the heart of the criminal case against him.
The CFB is reviewing the indictment as they consider granting Adams another round of matching funds. Councilmember Lincoln Restler has urged the CFB to deny Adams any matching funds. The financial challenges facing Adams raise questions about how he will continue to fund his legal defense and re-election campaign amidst the ongoing legal battle.
Source: TheCity.NYC
