Mayor Eric Adams’ Defense Team Says DOJ Turned Over Evidence that Could Discredit Key Witness
Mayor Eric Adams’ defense team claims that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has turned over evidence that could discredit key prosecution witness Rana Abbasova, a longtime Eric Adams staffer who coordinated improper straw donations and luxury travel upgrades, according to the indictment.
Evidence Includes Brady Material
Defense Attorney Alex Spiro told NBC New York that the evidence disclosed is known as “Brady material” – information favorable to a defendant’s case that prosecutors are constitutionally required to disclose, including evidence that could impeach the credibility of a witness.
Specific Details of the Evidence Remained Confidential
Citing a protective order issued by the Judge, members of the Mayor’s team declined to discuss specific details of the evidence, which they indicated was sent to Spiro in an email Friday afternoon by Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Cohen.
Sources Aligned with Mayor Adams Claim the Material Would Support the Defense Argument
According to sources aligned with Mayor Adams, the material would further support the defense argument that Abbasova had initially maintained Mayor Adams was unaware of any crimes and had changed her story more than once.
Defense Team Seeks to Throw the Prosecution on Defense
In the days since Mayor Adams was arraigned September 27 on bribery and fraud charges, Spiro has tried to throw the prosecution on defense. He filed a motion to dismiss the case, alleging improper leaks and accusing the DOJ of ignoring evidence in their possession that Abbasova had repeatedly lied.
Prosecution Response
A spokesman for the US Attorney’s office did not immediately respond to NBC New York’s request for comment.
Rana Abbasova’s Defense Attorney Declined to Comment
Reached by phone, Rana Abbasova’s defense attorney Rachel Maimin declined to comment.
Abbasova Terminated from Her Role
Abbasova was terminated from her role as Director of Protocol in the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Brad Simon, a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, said that such a disclosure is routine and that to portray it as monumental news seemed like “typical showmanship on behalf of a defense attorney.”
Professor Rebecca Roiphe, a former ADA in Manhattan who teaches professional ethics at New York Law School, said that prosecutors are required to turn over exculpatory evidence in a timely manner and that the timing of disclosure in this case seems perfectly appropriate.
MSNBC Legal Correspondent Lisa Rubin explained that prosecutors typically wait until the court enters a protective order that puts limits on who can see — and disclose — those materials.
Conclusion
The disclosure of evidence that could discredit key witness Rana Abbasova is a routine part of the discovery process in a criminal case. While the defense team may attempt to spin this as a major victory, legal experts suggest that the prosecution’s actions are in line with standard procedures.
FAQs
Q: What is Brady material?
A: Brady material is information favorable to a defendant’s case that prosecutors are constitutionally required to disclose, including evidence that could impeach the credibility of a witness.
Q: Why did the prosecution turn over the evidence?
A: The prosecution turned over the evidence as part of the discovery process in a criminal case. This is a routine part of the process and does not indicate that the prosecution was hiding evidence.
Q: What does the indictment allege about Rana Abbasova?
A: The indictment alleges that Abbasova agreed to speak with FBI agents and falsely denied the criminal conduct of herself and Eric Adams. It also alleges that she helped arrange illegal foreign “straw” donations to the Adams campaign as well as luxury travel upgrades and discounts for Adams, family members, and associates.
Q: Why did Abbasova terminate Rana Abbasova from her role?
A: Abbasova was terminated from her role as Director of Protocol in the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter.
