NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty in federal bribery case
NEW YORK CITY (WPIX) – New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he accepted bribes and campaign contributions from foreign interests Friday morning in a Manhattan courthouse.
Adams, who was not handcuffed and remained seated for the proceedings, told the judge he read the entire indictment.
“I’m not guilty, your honor,” he said.
Adams will be released without bail, with conditions that stipulate who he can and cannot contact related to the indictment, as set forth by the court.
Adams entered the plea in a packed Manhattan courtroom, just one day after prosecutors revealed an indictment alleging he accepted overseas travel and illegal campaign donations from people looking to buy his influence.
Adams faces bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. He will be fingerprinted, booked, and background checked following the unsealing of five federal charges.
The former Brooklyn borough president is accused of accepting $100,000 worth of lavish gifts from foreign donors, including free business-class airline tickets, upgraded hotel suites, and millions in foreign campaign contributions.
Adams allegedly “solicited and demanded” these free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official, the indictment alleges, noting that the official was seeking Adams’ help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan.
In 2019, while exchanging text messages to plan another possible to trip to Turkey, an Adams staffer texted the then-Borough President, “To be o(n the) safe side Please Delete all messages you send me,” according to the indictment.
According to prosecutors, Adams responded: “Always do.”
If convicted on all charges, Adams could face as much as 45 years in prison. But the embattled mayor’s high profile lawyer assures Adams is innocent.
Following the arraignment, Adams' attorney, Alex Spiro, spoke outside the courthouse, announcing that they would file a motion to dismiss the case next week.
"The entire body of evidence is one staffer, one staffer that says there was a conversation," Spiro said. "What you have not learned is that that staffer has lied."
Adams did not speak before his vehicle drove away from the courthouse. He is due back in court on Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.