Mayor Adams Pleads Not Guilty To Federal Corruption Charges

NEW YORK CITY —Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty Friday to a five-count indictment where he is accused of accepting illegal campaign donations from Turkish officials that date back to his time as Brooklyn borough president.

Adams appeared in front of Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker, telling her “I am not guilty, your honor."

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.

Parker told Adams not to have contact with any witnesses or individuals named in the indictment.

Adams received benefits and perks from the Turkish officials, including free and discounted airline tickets and hotel accommodations, the indictment states.

The perks were worth more than $100,000, prosecutors said.

Adams is scheduled to return to court next Wednesday, where his lawyer Alex Spiro is expected to ask for the charges to be dismissed, according to The New York Times.

Governor Kathy Hochul is reportedly "reviewing her options" after Adams was indicted Thursday, Patch previously reported.

The New York City Charter gives Hochul the power to suspend and remove Adams from his job.

Hochul in a statement said she had "carefully reviewed the indictment" and that "New Yorkers deserve to know that their municipal government is working effectively, ethically and in the best interests of the people."

While she did not call for Adams to resign, she did call on him to "show the City that he is able to lead in that manner."

"While I review my options and obligations as the Governor of New York, I expect the mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders," Hochul added.

If Adams resigns or is removed from office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams — a Brooklyn Democrat, would be installed as the interim mayor.

In addition, a growing number of elected officials have urged him to resign.