Federal Prosecutors Push Back on Mayor Adams’ Motion to Dismiss Bribery Count
Adams’ Defense Unravels
Federal prosecutors on Friday pushed back forcefully on a motion by Mayor Eric Adams to dismiss a key bribery count against him. In fighting his indictment by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Adams moved to dismiss a bribery count by insisting he was not doing favors for the Turkish government.
Performing Routine Service?
Adams was merely performing routine constituent services when, as Brooklyn borough president, he pushed the FDNY to open a Manhattan high-rise for them that the department had deemed unsafe, the mayor’s attorneys claimed. However, prosecutors argue that this was not a magnanimous act, but rather a payoff for the favors he had received from the Turkish government.
Alleged Conversation Exposed
On Friday, prosecutors slapped back at that assertion, zeroing in on an alleged conversation in which the mayor himself acknowledged that he was, in fact, returning the favor to Turkish officials whom prosecutors allege had already arranged illegal pass-through campaign donations and $90,000 in free travel perks for him.
Confronting Misaligned Priors
The crucial exchange occurred on Sept. 5, 2021, after Adams had won the primary and was expected to win the general election. By then, he had received free and discounted air fare, luxury hotel stays, and other perks from the Turkish government for trips to India, France, China, Hungary, and Turkey, the indictment alleges.
Turkey’s Turn
Fire inspectors had refused to certify as safe a newly built tower near the United Nations that was to house the Turkish consulate. At the time, the then-Turkish consul general in New York, Reyhan Ozgur, informed Rana Abbosova, a campaign volunteer who would later become a mayoral staffer, that because Turkey had supported Adams, it was now "his turn" to support Turkey.
Mayor’s Response
When Abbosova relayed this conversation to the soon-to-be mayor, Adams replied, "I know," according to the indictment.
Prosecutors’ Arguments
Prosecutors argue that the natural reading of this exchange is that Adams was acknowledging a pre-existing bargain. And after Adams did as the Turks had requested and pressured the FDNY, "Adams reached right back out to collect more payment, requesting what would amount to over $12,000 in luxury travel," prosecutors made clear in their motion.
Adams’ Travel Arrangements
Adams’ travel plans included a nine-hour layover in Istanbul, for which the Turkish official arranged an airport escort, a driver, and dinner at a high-end restaurant. This resulted in $12,000 in free and discounted travel perks, which Adams reported none of on his financial disclosure forms.
Conclusion
The federal allegations against Mayor Adams have been made public, and his defense team has yet to provide satisfactory explanations for the suspicious transactions and gifts received from the Turkish government. As the case moves forward, the public will be watching closely to see if Adams’ defense holds water or if the evidence presented will lead to his conviction.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the motion to dismiss the bribery count?
A: The motion aims to dismiss the charge of bribery against Mayor Adams, arguing that he did not receive any favors from the Turkish government.
Q: What is the alleged conversation that prosecutors are focusing on?
A: The conversation is between Mayor Adams and a campaign volunteer regarding the Turkish government’s support and his subsequent efforts to support the Turkish consulate.
Q: What is the significance of the alleged travel perks and gifts?
A: The travel perks and gifts are allegedly worth $120,000 and are seen as a quid pro quo for the favors Adams is accused of performing for the Turkish government.
Q: How does the case move forward?
A: The case is scheduled to proceed, with the next step being a response from Adams’ lawyers to the motion to dismiss the bribery count, followed by a ruling from the judge.
