New york – Senior Justice Department officials have discussed the possibility of abandoning corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams with federal prosecutors in Manhattan, which is a source familiar with the discussions confirmed by CBS News.
Adams was Five in five cases of corruption in SeptemberInvolved Bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance violationsHe has requested not to be guilty on those cases. If he is found guilty, the allegations may resulting in jail up to 45 years.
The Department of Justice did not comment. CBS News has asked to reach the office of Mayor Adams for comment.
There is no indication yet that the federal prosecutor in New York brought the case to give up the allegations.
the new York Times The first discussions were to report.
The Mayor has long maintained his innocence. He pleaded Not guilty when he was first charged last SeptemberAdams Ready to face the test in April,
Mayor Adams relations with President Trump
The conversation is a common part of what happens in a criminal court case, but it is unusual in this example because it comes after it Adams and Donald Trump met in Florida before Trump's inaugurationMarsia Kreer of CBS News New York told.
Adams said that both of them did not discuss their criminal case potential forgiveness or anything else.
“To be clear, we have not discussed our legal matter, and those who suggest the mayor of the nation's largest city should not meet with the coming to discuss the priorities of our city because There are wrong speculation or because we are different parties clearly cares more about politics than people, “Adams said in a statement after that meeting.
Adams suddenly canceled plans Mark Martin Luther King, Junior Day Instead in the city of New York Participate in the opening of Trump after the last minute invitation,
Mr. Trump has earlier said that he thought that Adams had been misbehaved and said He will consider forgiving AdamsIf the case is dismissed, Adams would not have to forgive.
Another thing that makes this revelation unusual is that the prosecutor in Manhattan The recently filed paperwork indicates that he exposed the “additional criminal conduct” by the mayor.So far adding another layer of intrigue is the word of the meeting as adams has Withdraw your public event this week due to health concernsAccording to the mayor's office, and the Adams had a closed door in the court as Alex Spiro, a seal meeting about the search in the case.
NYC Mayor candidate discusses the prosecution of Adams
This news broke as the Democratic Primary Mayorl Forum in New York City, an incident Adams was invited, but did not participate in it.
During the platform, Bronx Assemblyman Michael Black was generally asked to name two things with other candidates at the event.
He said, “None of us canceled MLK events to go to Trump's inauguration, and none of us is trying to receive forgiveness,” he said.
This year's crop of Mayor candidates made it clear that there is no prosecution or any prosecution, they would demand an answer from Adams during the campaign.
“Does the federal prosecutors abandon the allegations or keep the allegations, he is still going to respond to a disappointing administration and it is dependent on voters,” said Scott Stringer said, “Whether federal prosecutors abandon or have allegations.
“New Yorkers are worth knowing whether Eric Adams has sold us by trade contributing illegal operations from the Turkish government for the approval of an unsafe building and other favor,” said the Comptroller Brad Lander.