New York Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty in corruption case

New York Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty in corruption case.

New York City’s embattled mayor, Eric Adams, pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal corruption charges, following allegations that he used his position to obtain free trips, luxury hotel stays, and questionable campaign donations.

Adams faces charges of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and two counts of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals.

"I am not guilty, your honor," Adams stated in federal court in Lower Manhattan.

The case stems from accusations that Adams leveraged his influence for personal gain. Federal agents raided Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor, on September 26, 2024, as part of the investigation. The raid marked another significant development in the ongoing corruption probe, which has rocked the Adams administration.

Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker allowed Adams to be released after the hearing, with certain conditions. He is prohibited from contacting anyone involved in the allegations outlined in the indictment but is still permitted to conduct routine business and communicate with family members. Additionally, Adams was allowed to keep his passport.

Adams’ court appearance as a defendant contrasts sharply with his past career as a crime-fighting NYPD captain, a role he often highlighted during his political rise. The Democratic mayor, who was elected in 2021, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to continue serving as mayor. "I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I’ve done throughout my entire professional career," Adams said on Thursday.

The 57-page, 15,000-word indictment accuses Adams of seeking and accepting luxury benefits and campaign donations from foreign businessmen between 2016 and October 2023. Prosecutors allege that Adams committed 23 separate "overt acts," which included accepting free flights, hotel rooms, and coordinating illegal "straw donations."

The indictment details how foreign nationals were able to bypass federal law by using US-based "straw donors" who falsely claimed to be contributing their own money to Adams' campaigns. In 2017, Adams allegedly accepted business-class tickets for three international flights and a discounted stay in a suite at the St. Regis in Istanbul, valued at over $41,000—none of which he disclosed.

Prosecutors allege Adams accepted more than $123,000 in luxury travel benefits between 2016 and 2021 without disclosing any of it. By 2018, the mayor was reportedly not only accepting but actively seeking illegal campaign contributions for his 2021 mayoral race. The indictment also claims that by January 2022, Adams agreed to accept foreign money for his 2025 campaign.