Adams’ Defense and DOJ Attorneys Discussed Possible Permanent Dismissal of Corruption Charges
Justice Department Moves to Dismiss Charges “Without Prejudice”
The Justice Department is moving forward with its motion to dismiss the bribery and corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams “without prejudice” in court on Wednesday. This means that the charges could be refiled against the mayor at a later date, according to a Justice Department official. The development may signal that a last-minute effort by the mayor’s legal team to make the charges go away forever had been unsuccessful.
Discussion of Permanent Dismissal
Two sources familiar with the matter say that there were recent discussions between the Adams legal team and Justice Department about the possibility of requesting a permanent dismissal of the charges. If such a motion were to be granted “with prejudice”, it could result in a significant shift in the outcome for Adams, forever lifting the risk of a future federal prosecution off his shoulders at a time when the mayor’s detractors say he is being “held hostage”.
Critics Call for Adams’ Resignation
Critics are calling for Adams to resign or be removed, alleging that the Trump administration is using its ability to reinstate the charges as leverage to try and pressure New York City to cooperate more fully with its policies, including stepped-up immigration enforcement. Sunday, NBC New York was first to report on the impending resignations of four Adams deputy Mayors, who expressed concerns about being asked not to criticize Trump or his policies.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future of the Case
By late Tuesday, two sources close to Mayor Adams said that while the parties had explored the possibility of asking Judge Dale Ho to dismiss the case forever, and had been optimistic that the DOJ was on board, they were still unsure of what would happen in court on Wednesday. One of the sources believed the DOJ had rejected the change, while the other believed it was still on the table.
DOJ Official Unaware of Discussions
A Justice Department official said they were unaware of whether any such discussions had taken place with the Adams legal team – but one source close to Adams said the alleged discussions had continued into this week – even as the mayor’s attorney, Alex Spiro, consented in writing to the Justice Department’s existing motion, which leaves the door open to charges being revived after the November election.
Uncertainty Surrounds Mayor’s Legal Strategy
The sources were unable to say whether Mayor Adams’ legal team would submit a request to dismiss the case “with prejudice” on Wednesday if the Justice Department does not. Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, did not return a request for comment.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Response
Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday she wanted to wait and see what unfolds in court before making decisions about the mayor’s fate, according to sources familiar with a series of private meetings she hosted Tuesday with faith and political leaders. Some who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations said the rumored shift to a dismissal “with prejudice” could potentially change the “hostage” dynamic currently dogging the mayor, while acknowledging that the move could elicit new criticisms. The sources also said Hochul does not take lightly her power to remove the mayor nor overturn the will of the voters and is hoping to minimize chaos and maintain stability. One source familiar with the governor’s meetings said the majority of leaders with whom she met Tuesday did not urge her to remove Adams.
FAQs
* What does “dismissal without prejudice” mean?
+ It means that the charges could still be refiled against the mayor at a later date.
* What does “dismissal with prejudice” mean?
+ It means that the charges would be permanently dismissed and could not be refiled at a later date.
* What is the current status of the case?
+ The Justice Department is moving forward with its motion to dismiss the case “without prejudice”.
* What is the likelihood of the case being dismissed with prejudice?
+ It is unclear, as the Justice Department official is unaware of whether any discussions took place with the Adams legal team, and the sources close to the mayor’s legal team are unsure of what will happen in court on Wednesday.
