NEW YORK—A legal challenge has arisen in New York City as Mayor Eric Adams calls for the dismissal of a corruption case against him, citing alleged prosecutorial misconduct. His plea comes amidst efforts by the Justice Department to withdraw the charges on behalf of the Democratic mayor.
In court documents filed in Manhattan’s federal court, Adams’ legal team accused the government of misconduct, pointing to the public leak of a letter written by former U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon to Attorney General Pam Bondi. This letter reportedly outlined Sassoon’s reasons for opposing the dismissal of the charges. Her communication followed a directive from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to drop the charges against Adams, prompting Sassoon to offer her resignation, which Bove accepted.
Bove argued that Mayor Adams was a valuable ally in President Donald Trump’s agenda, especially in tackling illegal immigration and violent crime. He noted that the pending charges could interfere with New York City’s upcoming mayoral race. The case has become a point of legal and political contention as it unfolds.
Adams’ attorneys criticized the release of Sassoon’s “unhinged resignation letter,” asserting that it was a part of a series of leaks of internal Justice Department communications following Bove’s written directive to Sassoon. They claim Sassoon had informed Bondi about plans to bring an obstruction charge against Adams and falsely accused him and his legal team of offering their cooperation with the Trump administration for a dismissal of charges.
The charges, filed in September, allege Adams accepted over $100,000 in unlawful campaign donations and travel perks from a Turkish official and others while acting as Brooklyn borough president. With multiple challengers in the approaching Democratic primary, Adams, who has pled not guilty, maintains his innocence.
His lawyers argue that the public revelation of the Justice Department’s internal conflict infringed upon Adams’ constitutional rights, jeopardizing his ability to secure a fair trial. Furthermore, they claim the leaks violated various statutory and court protocols, including guidelines that prevent prosecutorial misconduct.
A request for commentary was forwarded to the Justice Department in Washington. Bove, joined by two Justice Department attorneys, are currently pursuing the case’s dismissal before a Manhattan judge. The judge, having postponed an initially scheduled trial, has appointed independent counsel for advice as a decision looms in the coming weeks.
Bove’s motion to dismiss envisions the possibility of reinstating charges post-election. Meanwhile, Adams’ attorneys argue against such a contingency, maintaining that their client has been unduly tried in the media prior to any formal indictment.
“This situation, once a mere spectacle, has escalated into something much more malignant,” Adams’ lawyers commented. “The ongoing proceedings cause significant and irreversible damage on a daily basis.”
