Mayor Eric Adams’ Lawyer Rips Federal Indictment as "Meritless"
Mayor Eric Adams’ criminal defense lawyer, Alex Spiro, on Monday ripped the federal indictment charging his client with doing favors for the Turkish government in exchange for illegal campaign donations and free or discounted travel perks as "meritless".
Lack of Quid Pro Quo
Spiro claimed that prosecutors have not documented Adams’ promising specific favors for specific bribes. "There was no quid pro quo. There was no this for that," he said, describing the $124,000 free or discounted business class airline tickets, luxury hotels, high-end meals and other perks prosecutors allege Adams received as "nothing more than the basic courtesies that happen with members of Congress every day".
Motion to Dismiss
Early Monday, Spiro filed a motion to dismiss the bribery charge, one of five counts alleged in the indictment unsealed last week by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Speaking to reporters later in the day, Spiro promised to make the same dismissal motions for the other four counts in the coming weeks.
Attack on Credibility
Spiro zeroed in on the credibility of Rana Abbasova, an aide who is cooperating with federal authorities. "They know she’s lying. They’re holding that from you," he said, hinting at a "big lie" prosecutors are aware of but have yet to reveal. He declined to provide specifics.
Lack of Jurisdiction
Spiro argued in court papers that the bribery count "does not allege any specific exchanges or conversations in which Adams and the Turkish official entered into this purported quid pro quo agreement". He noted that federal bribery charges require that prosecutors prove the public official performed an "official act" with the expectation that they would receive some form of bribe in return.
Interaction with Fire Commissioner
Spiro claimed that Adams’ interaction with the fire commissioner was not an "official act", stating that at the time as Brooklyn borough president, Adams had no jurisdiction in Manhattan and describing Adams’ query to the commissioner for assistance on the Turkish consulate building as a common request by elected officials.
Snyder v. United States
Spiro cited the 2016 Supreme Court case that nullified the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who had accepted more than $160,000 in gifts — including a Rolex watch and a $20,000 shopping spree for his wife — from a wealthy businessman in exchange, prosecutors alleged, for using his official position to promote the businessman’s health supplements.
Gratuities
Spiro also took aim at the notion that the travel perks Adams received could be considered bribes — dubbing them "gratuities" instead. While city public servants are barred from accepting any "valuable gift" worth more than $50 from "any person or firm which such public servant knows is or intends to become engaged in business dealings with the city", it’s a different matter under federal law.
Conclusion
Spiro’s attack on the indictment comes as the mayor and his top deputies find themselves enmeshed in at least four separate federal investigations and one ongoing probe by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
FAQs
Q: What is the alleged crime that Mayor Eric Adams is accused of?
A: The mayor is accused of doing favors for the Turkish government in exchange for illegal campaign donations and free or discounted travel perks.
Q: What is the main argument made by Mayor Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro?
A: Spiro claims that there is no quid pro quo and that the travel perks received by Adams are simply "basic courtesies" that happen with members of Congress every day.
Q: What is the current status of the indictment?
A: Spiro has filed a motion to dismiss the bribery charge, and promises to make the same dismissal motions for the other four counts in the coming weeks.
Q: What are the potential consequences for Mayor Adams if he is found guilty?
A: If found guilty, Mayor Adams could face serious legal consequences, including fines and potentially even imprisonment.
