- NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with taking bribes and illegal campaign funds
- His arraignment will take place today where he will formally hear the charges and enter a plea
- If convicted, Mayor Adams could face up to 45 years in prison.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with taking bribes and illegal campaign funds
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to be arraigned in federal court on Friday, facing five criminal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. The indictment, unveiled on Thursday, accuses Adams of accepting over $100,000 (£75,000) in luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish businessmen and an official seeking to influence him.
Adams, 64, a former police officer who was elected nearly three years ago on a tough-on-crime platform, has denied all allegations and pushed back against growing calls for his resignation.
His arraignment will take place at noon before Magistrate Judge Katherine Parker, where he will formally hear the charges and enter a plea.
In a press conference on Thursday, Adams urged New Yorkers to hold off on judgment until his defence is presented. “I follow the rules, I follow federal law, and I do not engage in illegal campaign activity,” he said.
The conference was repeatedly interrupted by residents who labelled Adams a “disgrace” and demanded “justice” for the city.
If convicted, Mayor Adams could face up to 45 years in prison.