New York mayor Eric Adams on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and bribery in a Manhattan federal court.
“I am not guilty, your honor,” Adams said in the court. He did not speak to reporters but gave a thumbs-up entering the courthouse. The New York mayor also said, “I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense.”
Adams is charged with wire fraud, soliciting illegal campaign donations, and a bribery conspiracy involving Turkish citizens and officials.US district attorney Damian Williams presented the charges, saying the mayor was “secretly being showered” with illegal gifts.
Federal prosecutors allege that Adams accepted luxury flights, hotel stays, and expensive meals from Turkish associates in exchange for political favors. One example provided was his alleged pressure on New York City’s fire department to approve Turkey’s new consulate despite safety concerns.
During the brief arraignment, Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, said they would seek to have charges dismissed.
Magistrate Judge Parker released Adams on his recognizance, without requiring him to surrender his passport, and ordered him not to discuss the case with any witnesses.
The federal indictment was unsealed with five counts against Adams, and if convicted, he faces up to 45 years in prison.
Judge Katherine Parker has scheduled the next hearing for Wednesday .
Adams has become the first current New York mayor to face criminal indictment. He is the city’s second Black mayor, who won the 2021 Democratic primary election with pledges to reduce crime. Some city and state officials, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have now urged him to resign “for the good of the city.”
State and federal investigators have also questioned Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adam’s chief adviser, and seized her phone upon her return from an overseas trip.