Judge dismisses corruption charges against NYC Mayor

U.S. District Judge Dale Ho on Wednesday dismissed federal corruption and fraud charges against embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning that prosecutors cannot revive them at a later date. Federal prosecutors indicted Adams last September on allegations of bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting foreign contributions to his campaign. The Trump Administration’s DOJ requested in February to drop the charges against Adams brought by the previous administration. In dismissing the charges with prejudice, Ho only partially granted the DOJ’s request.

How did the judge partially grant the motion? The DOJ in February requested that Ho dismiss Adam’s indictment without prejudice, meaning that prosecutors could refile the charges and attempt to try the case again, depending on filing deadlines and statute of limitations. However, Ho dismissed the indictment with prejudice, meaning that the charges against Adams could not be brought up again. Ho shared a concern that the corruption case could be used as a political weapon against Adams if the charges could be revived in the future. Dismissing the case without prejudice would make it seem like Adams’ freedom depended on his ability to carry out the Trump administration’s immigration policies, he said. 

What was the mayor’s reaction? Adams addressed the case’s dismissal on Wednesday. He thanked his lawyers and said that Jesus had been present since the indictment was filed.