DOJ Files to Formally Dismiss Charges Against New York City Mayor Eric Adams
U.S. Department of Justice Files Court Paperwork to Dismiss Federal Corruption Case
The U.S. Department of Justice filed court paperwork Friday to dismiss a federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, after two days of resignations from prosecutors who refused to do so.
High-Profile Case Not Immediately Ended
The filing does not immediately end the high-profile case. A federal court judge must approve the decision to drop the charges.
DOJ Officials Convene Meeting to Determine Who Will Sign Motion to Dismiss
According to two former DOJ officials, both of whom remain in contact with lawyers at the department, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove convened a meeting with the remaining lawyers in the Public Integrity Section Friday morning to determine who would sign the motion to dismiss Adams’ case. Both officials told NBC News that Bove explicitly promised leadership positions to those who agreed to sign and file it.
Meeting Was a Video Call with Deadline for Sign-Off
The meeting was described as a video call during which Bove gave them a deadline of one hour to provide two names, a source told NBC News.
Motion to Dismiss Signed by Trial Attorney
According to three former DOJ lawyers, all of whom are in touch with current department lawyers, the motion to dismiss Adams’ case was signed by a trial attorney with the Public Integrity Section who is nearing retirement.
Motion Seeks Dismissal without Prejudice
The motion seeking dismissal without prejudice – meaning the case could potentially be prosecuted in the future – was filed Friday evening.
Bove’s Memo Raises Concerns
Bove’s memo said federal prosecutors needed to drop the case in part because it impacted Adams’ ability to tackle “illegal immigration and violent crime.”
Sassoon’s Refusal to Drop Case
In a letter to newly minted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, urged her to reconsider the directive to dismiss the case, saying it “raises serious concerns that render the contemplated dismissal inconsistent with my ability and duty to prosecute federal crimes without fear or favor and to advance good-faith arguments before the courts.”
Adams’ Attorney Denies Quid Pro Quo Allegations
Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, denied Sassoon’s recounting of the meeting and her allegation of a “quid pro quo” proposal.
Motion to Dismiss Not the End of the Case
The motion to dismiss does not immediately end the case. A federal court judge must approve the decision to drop the charges.
Conclusion
The U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has raised concerns about the prioritization of political aims over criminal culpability. While the motion to dismiss has been filed, the case is not yet closed, and a federal court judge must still approve the decision to drop the charges.
FAQs
* What is the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision regarding the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams?
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a motion to dismiss the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
* Why did the U.S. Department of Justice file the motion to dismiss?
The motion was filed after two days of resignations from prosecutors who refused to drop the case. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove convened a meeting with the remaining lawyers in the Public Integrity Section to determine who would sign the motion to dismiss.
* What is the current status of the case?
The motion to dismiss has been filed, but a federal court judge must still approve the decision to drop the charges. The case is not yet closed.
