New York City Mayor Eric Adams may make his initial court appearance today and appear before a jury following his indictment on charges of bribery and corruption. The hearing is scheduled for noon before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker.
Adams, a Democrat, faces conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery charges in a five-count indictment unsealed Thursday.
Prosecutors say he accepted free hotel stays, discounted airline tickets, and other perks from foreign officials and businesspeople in Turkey in exchange for favors, including assistance with a diplomatic tower project in Manhattan.
The mayor maintains his innocence. Adams lawyer, Alex Spiro, said that accepting travel perks and gifts from foreign powers is not unusual for government officials.
This may be true of Democrats, critics say, but it is still illegal. Spiro has requested a delay in the arraignment until Monday to reduce the number of court appearances for Adams.
The exact process of Adams’ court appearance remains unclear. While many federal defendants are arrested and detained before appearing before a judge, exceptions exist. For example, former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, also a Democrat that accepted bribes from Turkish officials, arrived as a free person for his arraignment on corruption charges last year.
Menendez has been convicted, but his sentencing has been delayed until January. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
This indictment may not be the final word on federal investigations involving Adams’ administration. Prosecutors are still conducting multiple inquiries into the mayor and his senior aides like the polish commish.