The mayor of New York has denied allegations of bribery and illegal campaign contributions
The mayor of the city New York, Eric Adamshe has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against him accept bribes and other illegal contributions. The allegations come after months of investigations, raids and subpoenas that have called the Democratic leader’s leadership into question.
Adams made his statement in court Manhattana day after prosecutors charged him accepting illegal campaign contributions and travel perksallegedly offered by individuals seeking favors from his administration.
He mayor he faces accusations that he took advantage of his long-term relationship with people he is associated with Turkeywhich would fund his travels and support his campaign more than 10 million dollars. Under US law, citizens of other countries are prohibited from contributing to candidates.
Adams he pleaded not guilty five charges against him: electronic fraud, bribes, two counts of receiving campaign contributions from a foreign national and conspiracy. If convicted of the most serious charge, wire fraud, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
He mayor He appeared in federal court on Friday to be arraigned. He gave a thumbs up upon arrival but avoided making any statement to the press upon entering the courthouse. Manhattanaccompanied by its own security team. He was scheduled to appear before a judge Katharine Parker.
From the file presented on Thursday, it appears that the mayor would have received more inappropriate gifts included Turkish officials and businessmen, between them hotel stays and flights with great discounts to destinations such as France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, Ghana and Turkey.
In return, Adams would do a favor for donors, including aid Turkey get the approval of the fire department and open a new diplomatic office in Manhattandespite existing concerns about the fire protection system.
Adams maintains his innocence. His lawyer said it was not unusual or inappropriate for an official to accept certain travel-related favors. The mayor denied knowingly receiving illegal campaign contributions and assured that helping people deal with municipal bureaucracy was part of his duties.
On Thursday, a federal prosecutor Damian Williams stated that several businessmen and diplomats Turkish participated “a multi-year plan to buy favors” from Adams.
on Thursday Adams He urged New Yorkers not to prejudge and wait to hear his defense.
Your lawyer, Spiroexplained to reporters that the benefits of traveling and changing seats on airplanes that Adams are commonly offered VIP and members Congress.
“That’s what airlines do,” he said, noting that many of those trips took place years ago when Adams He was the district president Brooklyn.
It remains to be seen whether the federal investigation will conclude the indictments filed Thursday municipal administration.
Federal prosecutors appear to be conducting separate, independent investigations that include Adamstheir counselors and their families. In early September, federal authorities seized the electronic devices of the police commissioner, the director of education, two deputy mayors and other close associates Adams.
In the last two weeks, the police commissioner tendered his resignation like him the director of education announced his retirement. None of them have been charged with any illegality.
(With information from AP)