Federal Judge Hears Arguments Over Mayor Adams Case Dismissal

NEW YORK CITY — A federal judge is currently hearing arguments on whether to dismiss the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday.

Mayor Adams, his defense attorneys and federal prosecutors are all expected to appear in court for the 2 p.m. hearing, following an order by U.S. District Judge Dale Ho.

Justice Department officials last Friday filed a motion to ask a judge to formally end the case after a number of prosecutors from the Southern District of New York declined to dismiss charges, Patch previously reported.

The hearing comes after Danielle R. Sassoon, acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned from her post rather than dismiss charges against Adams.

It is not known at this time if a case dismissal decision will be announced following the hearing.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi that was published by the New York Times, Sassoon mentioned an alleged “quid pro quo” where the mayor would assist with immigration enforcement only if the indictment were dismissed.

Similarly, the next day, Hagan Scotten, an assistant U.S. attorney with the Southern District of New York, resigned in protest.

In a resignation letter to acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove, Scotten said only a "fool" or "coward" would go ahead and dismiss Adams' charges.

In addition, on Monday, four deputies mayors announced they planned to resign.

Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove in a two-page memo ordered prosecutors to dismiss the case "without prejudice", Patch previously reported.

The memo obtained by the Associated Press argues that the ongoing case has restricted Adams' ability to "devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime" in the city.

Bove also said the timing of the charges and actions by former U.S. Attorney Damian Williams had "threatened the integrity of the proceedings."

Adams faces one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, two counts of solicitation of a contribution from a foreign national and one count of bribery, Patch previously reported.

Adams received benefits and perks from Turkish officials, including free and discounted airline tickets and hotel accommodations, according to an unsealed indictment.

The perks were worth more than $100,000, prosecutors said. Adams has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Gov. Hochul Meets With Democratic Leaders To Discuss Adams Fate

Hochul met with Rev. Al Sharpton, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Comptroller Brad Lander on Tuesday in her Midtown office.

The governor has the legal authority to remove Adams from office

State law gives Hochul the ability to remove certain local officials, including mayors. It requires the governor to provide the mayor with a copy of the charges he’s facing and due process to defend himself.

Hochul could also suspend the mayor for 30 days during that time.