Federal agents continued their investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams even as the Justice Department advised prosecutors to drop the case against him. Newly released court documents indicate that the inquiry, initiated in August 2021, focused on Adams’ alleged acceptance of illegal campaign contributions and benefits while he was Brooklyn’s borough president. Investigators seized Adams’ phones in November 2023, and he was charged ten months later for receiving free travel and campaign contributions from individuals seeking influence, including a Turkish diplomat.
Despite ongoing investigations, in February 2024, new Justice Department leadership directed prosecutors to abandon the case, claiming it impeded the mayor’s cooperation with the Republican administration’s immigration policies. The directive led to resignations among several prosecutors in New York, including the lead federal prosecutor, Danielle Sassoon, who cited impending additional charges against Adams for obstruction of justice. A judge ultimately dismissed the case at the Justice Department’s request, stating he had no legal option.
The unsealed documents shed light on extensive investigative activities, including search warrants for both electronic devices and physical locations linked to Adams. Notably, there were efforts to search the homes of Adams’ romantic partner and the mayor’s official residence, Gracie Mansion. Although Adams has celebrated the dismissal of the charges as a form of vindication and insists no collusion with Donald Trump occurred, he continues to maintain a friendly relationship with the former president.
Adams recently announced his intention to skip the Democratic primary, opting to run as an independent in the upcoming general election, leaving his political future uncertain. His attorney criticized the earlier charges, deeming the case illegitimate from its inception.
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