Prosecutors may bring additional charges against Eric Adams
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is seen leaving Federal court after being arraigned on corruption charges on Sept. 27 in New York. Photo: MEGA/GC Images
Federal prosecutors said Wednesday they are pursuing "several related investigations" that could expand New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case to include more charges and co-defendants, per multiple reports.
Why it matters: Adams, the first sitting NYC mayor to face criminal charges, is facing up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all counts, which include bribery and fraud.
- Adams pleaded not guilty and has denied wrongdoing in the case.
Driving the news: Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten said at a status hearing Wednesday it is "quite likely" prosecutors will seek a superseding indictment, and it's "likely" other defendants will be charged, per the Associated Press.
- It's "possible," Scotten said, Adams will face even more charges.
- Adams' legal team filed a motion to dismiss the bribery charge against him Monday, arguing the conduct alleged by prosecutors did not reach the threshold for bribery, and have accused the federal government of leaking information about the investigation.
Zoom in: U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho did not immediately set a date for Adams' trial, which prosecutors said they expect to take about four weeks, per the AP.
- Adams' attorney asked for the trial to be held in March, the AP reported, prior to a key ballot deadline for next year's mayoral election — a request to which prosecutors did not object.
- "The public and Mayor Adams have an interest in a speedy trial here, and I agree that interest is heightened" related to the election calendar, Ho said.
Catch up quick: Adams was indicted on five counts last month after a federal probe into his mayoral campaign and time as the Brooklyn borough president.
- Adams' campaign allegedly disguised illegal contributions from foreign individuals as coming from straw donors in the U.S., the indictment stated.
- Investigators also alleged that Adams received heavily discounted travel perks through Turkish nationals who were courting favor with him.
- After Adams took office, Turkish officials asked him to pressure the New York Fire Department to open a Turkish consular skyscraper without an inspection, prosecutors alleged, accusing Adams of delivering on the demands.
The big picture: Several Adams allies are also ensnared in the complicated legal web surrounding the mayor, as four different corruption probes unfold.
What we're watching: A number of New York and federal Democratic officials have called for Adams' resignation, including Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jerry Nadler.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who has the power to remove a sitting mayor, told reporters last week she needs time to review the indictment.
- Adams has no legal obligation to resign and has vowed to stay in office. He is facing a field of potential challengers in his re-election bid next year.
Go deeper: Eric Adams asks federal judge to investigate alleged DOJ leaks
