Thu Sep 26 14:44:00 UTC 2024: ## New York City Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Federal Corruption Charges

**NEW YORK** – New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges including bribery, conspiracy, and campaign finance violations. The indictment, spanning over 50 pages, alleges Adams accepted illegal campaign donations, including from Turkish businessmen in exchange for political favors.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams stated that Adams engaged in a long-running conspiracy, accepting over $100,000 in luxury travel benefits, including flights and hotel stays, in exchange for political favors. These gifts were not disclosed and Adams even created fake paper trails to conceal them.

The indictment claims Adams cultivated relationships with Turkish businessmen in 2018 and solicited donations from them for his reelection campaign. Williams called these benefits “a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a single New York City politician on the rise.”

Adams faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges. He maintains his innocence and claims he “follows campaign rules and the law.”

The indictment also alleges Adams pressured the FDNY to approve a new Turkish consulate building in 2021 despite safety concerns. This pressure, according to the indictment, was in response to a request from a Turkish official who needed the building opened in time for a visit from Turkey’s president.

The indictment follows a lengthy investigation by federal authorities, including a search of Adams’ home earlier Thursday morning.

Following the indictment, Adams has been under pressure to resign, with calls coming from members of his own party and other political figures. However, Adams insists he will remain in office and continue to serve the people of New York City.

Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement addressing the indictment, stating that the judicial system presumes innocence until proven guilty but that elected officials are held to a higher standard. She called for stability and confidence in the city’s leadership and expects Adams to review the situation and find a suitable path forward.

The indictment is a significant blow to Adams and his administration, and the situation is expected to continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks.

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