In a dramatic turn of events, a federal judge has dismissed the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, stirring both surprise and controversy. US District Judge Dale Ho, appointed by President Biden, made headlines by halting the Department of Justice’s case against Adams.
Judge Ho initially appeared ready to scrutinize the DOJ’s decision by appointing an external counsel to review their motive for dropping charges. However, he has now closed the case without prejudice, putting an end to it permanently.
The DOJ had sought to withdraw federal charges against Adams with the option to refile. Yet, Judge Ho’s decision precludes any future action on these charges. He also criticized Trump’s DOJ officials, hinting at a potential quid pro quo.
“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the Indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,”
Judge Ho’s remarks reflect his disapproval of the DOJ’s approach, as he noted it to be both “unprecedented and breathtaking in its sweep.”
The charges against Mayor Adams were grave, involving allegations of wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors accused him of accepting $10 million in illicit campaign contributions and bribes from several foreign nations over nearly a decade.
The indictment stated:
“For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him.”
The Trump administration’s DOJ had previously moved to drop the charges, a decision made by then-Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. This move was met with significant resistance, leading to the resignation of Acting US Attorney for the SDNY, Danielle Sassoon, and several other prosecutors. Sassoon alleged a quid pro quo by the Trump DOJ as she exited her position.
