The U.S. Justice Department has called on legal authorities to abandon the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams of New York City. The directive, from Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, argues that the ongoing indictment might unduly influence the forthcoming mayoral election, hindering Adams' responses to pressing city matters such as illegal immigration and crime rates.
Allegations against Adams include accepting illicit campaign contributions and gifts from Turkish business interests in exchange for political favors. He has pled not guilty to several charges involving bribery and campaign finance violations, asserting his innocence since the indictment in September.
Bove’s memo indicated that federal prosecutors should halt any further investigative actions until after the November 2025 election. It emphasized that any dismissal of charges must be formally presented to the court and approved by a judge.
The memo suggests that the case's evidence strength was not assessed and claims no reflection on the integrity of the legal team initially handling the matter. This directive follows a purported meeting between Adams’ legal representatives and federal prosecutors.
Mayor Adams, a Democrat, has shifted his stance to build rapport with the Trump administration, attending a recent presidential inauguration and actively collaborating with federal authorities on immigration enforcement actions in New York City. Critics argue that this compromises local sanctuary policies aimed at protecting non-dangerous individuals from deportation.
The Justice Department memo also insinuated that the targeting of Adams might have originated during President Biden's administration, although no substantiated proof was offered for this claim. Legal ethics scholar Stephen Gillers criticized Bove's directive as a disparagement of the former U.S. Attorney and the prosecutorial team involved.
Adams' attorney proclaimed the memo as a validation of the mayor's innocence and a triumph for justice, suggesting the investigation lacked foundation. As of now, the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office has refrained from commenting on the latest developments.
