Justice Dept. Orders Charges To Be Dropped Against Mayor Adams

NEW YORK CITY — A Justice Department official has called on federal prosecutors to drop charges against Mayor Eric Adams in his ongoing corruption case.

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

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."

Justice Department officials had previously discussed the possibility of dropping the federal corruption case against Mayor Adams close to two weeks ago, according to a New York Times report.

According to the report, Adams and Trump have been in direct communication for weeks.

Last month, Adams met with Trump In Florida. City Hall and Adams said, "a partnership is critical to New York City's success."

Also last month, Trump made it known that he could look at issuing a pardon for Adams, Patch previously reported.

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.

When asked by reporters in December, Adams said he is “not communicating with the president about a pardon."