ECNETNews: Confidence Grows as Adams’ Legal Troubles Appear to Fade
NEW YORK — A lawyer for New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed strong belief on Wednesday that the criminal case against him is concluded, despite indications from the Justice Department that the case could potentially be reactivated next fall.
“There is no looming threat. This case is over. It will not be brought back,” said attorney Alex Spiro. “Despite much fanfare and sensational claims, ultimately there was no evidence that he broke any laws.”
However, Spiro’s assertion of a complete victory against what he termed a “misguided prosecution” is complicated by a recent two-page memo from the Justice Department. The memo indicates that the decision to dismiss the case was not based on the strength of the evidence against Adams, but rather to allow him to focus on critical administration priorities involving immigration and crime.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove noted that the dismissal was conditional on Adams potentially facing charges again in November, post-mayoral election.
These unusual stipulations have sparked skepticism among some Democrats and backlash from Adams’ primary challengers, who argue that the mayor may have agreed to implement the previous administration’s stringent immigration policies in exchange for the halt in prosecution.
Spiro refuted claims that Adams made any such deal, but acknowledged that immigration and related policy matters were discussed in meetings between Adams’ legal representatives and Justice Department officials.
“The functioning of government and the mayor’s ability to enforce national security, terrorism threats, immigration issues, and everything else came up,” Spiro commented.
The directive instructs the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan to dismiss the charges "as soon as practicable.” However, there has been no movement on the case, as Adams has not yet signed any related documents.
Adams pleaded not guilty in September to accusations of accepting approximately $100,000 in complimentary or deeply discounted travel, accommodations, and entertainment in exchange for illegal campaign contributions from individuals connected to the Turkish business sector.
Prosecutors allege that he encouraged campaign staff to solicit donations from foreign nationals, which is illegal under federal law, and that the contributions were concealed to help Adams benefit from a city program that provides substantial public funding for small donations.
His trial was initially set to commence in April.
