News Americas, New York, NY, September 26, 2024: “We are not focused on the right or the left. We are only focused on right and wrong.”
These were the profound words of Caribbean US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams today, as he unsealed the indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, charging him with campaign finance violations, bribery and conspiracy.
Williams, the first black USDA in the Southern District and the son of Jamaican immigrants, described Adams’ actions as a “gross breach of public trust,” alleging the mayor knowingly accepted illegal campaign contributions and lavish personal benefits from foreign sources, including Turkish businessmen and officials.
According to the indictment, Adams, only NYC’s second black mayor and former Brooklyn Borough President, began soliciting illegal foreign donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign as early as 2018. The mayor is alleged to have received over $100,000 in luxury travel benefits, including business class flights and hotel stays, which were never disclosed as required by law. In exchange for these benefits, Adams is accused of interfering with the fire safety inspection of a Turkish consulate building, pressuring the New York City Fire Department to approve the building despite safety concerns.
Williams, whose recent high-profile prosecutions have included Sean “Diddy” Combs as well as the conviction of Sam Bankman Fried, stressed that the ongoing investigation aims to hold accountable all individuals involved in this long-running conspiracy. He reiterated that the Southern District of New York’s focus is on rooting out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.
The charges follow an extensive investigation by the US Attorney’s office, the FBI and the New York City Department of Investigation. Commissioner Jocelyn Straub, of the NYC Department of Investigation, emphasized that Adams’ actions undermined public trust, highlighting the profound impact such corruption has on the integrity of public service.
While the indictment represents an important moment in New York City’s political landscape, Williams and other officials encouraged the public to come forward with any additional information about the case, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
Adams is the first sitting mayor to be indicted. He has vowed to fight the charges.
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