In a significant judicial ruling, a federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, following directives from the Trump administration to halt the corruption charges previously brought against him. This decision arose just weeks after former Manhattan's top federal prosecutor stepped down, citing Adams' alleged compromise that linked the dismissal of charges with immigration priorities favored by the Trump administration.
US District Judge Dale Ho finalized the dismissal "with prejudice" on Wednesday, meaning the Department of Justice cannot bring the case back to court using the same evidence. Adams had faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, fraud, soliciting illegal campaign contributions, and bribery, all of which he has consistently denied.
The controversy stems from an indictment last September, which accused Adams of accepting gifts exceeding $100,000 from Turkish nationals in exchange for specific favors. In his ruling, Judge Ho pointed out that allowing prosecutors to potentially revive the case would create an impression that the mayor’s liberty was contingent upon complying with federal immigration policies rather than the needs of the communities he serves.
In February, acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove prompted state prosecutors to withdraw the case, claiming it hindered Adams' ability to tackle issues surrounding illegal immigration and violent crime, a priority for the Trump administration. However, this directive faced opposition from Manhattan’s former prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, who asserted that the mayor's team had proposed what appeared to be a quid pro quo arrangement, suggesting that cooperation on federal policies would follow the dismissal of the indictment.
In light of the recent decision, Adams' attorney, Alex Spiro, expressed relief, stating the case should never have been initiated and explaining that the mayor's long-held stance of innocence has finally been vindicated.
US District Judge Dale Ho finalized the dismissal "with prejudice" on Wednesday, meaning the Department of Justice cannot bring the case back to court using the same evidence. Adams had faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, fraud, soliciting illegal campaign contributions, and bribery, all of which he has consistently denied.
The controversy stems from an indictment last September, which accused Adams of accepting gifts exceeding $100,000 from Turkish nationals in exchange for specific favors. In his ruling, Judge Ho pointed out that allowing prosecutors to potentially revive the case would create an impression that the mayor’s liberty was contingent upon complying with federal immigration policies rather than the needs of the communities he serves.
In February, acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove prompted state prosecutors to withdraw the case, claiming it hindered Adams' ability to tackle issues surrounding illegal immigration and violent crime, a priority for the Trump administration. However, this directive faced opposition from Manhattan’s former prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, who asserted that the mayor's team had proposed what appeared to be a quid pro quo arrangement, suggesting that cooperation on federal policies would follow the dismissal of the indictment.
In light of the recent decision, Adams' attorney, Alex Spiro, expressed relief, stating the case should never have been initiated and explaining that the mayor's long-held stance of innocence has finally been vindicated.
