New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with five counts related to illegal campaign contributions, according to a federal indictment unsealed on Thursday. Adams is accused of accepting over $10 million in illegal public funds during his 2021 mayoral campaign through “nominee” or “straw” donations—where true contributors channeled money through nominal donors who falsely claimed they were donating their own funds.
The indictment outlines five charges: one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, two counts of soliciting contributions from a foreign national, and one count of bribery. If convicted, these charges could result in significant prison time.
Adams addressed the press shortly after the indictment, denying the accusations and pledging to fight them.
“I ask New Yorkers to hear our defense before making any judgments,” Adams said, maintaining his day-to-day duties as mayor would not change.
His attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a statement criticizing the federal authorities, calling the charges a “bogus spectacle” and condemning what he claimed were improper leaks before the case was filed. Spiro noted that agents seized Adams’ phone but assured the public that the mayor was not arrested and is prepared to face his day in court.
Many of the allegations center on Adams’ relationships with foreign businesspeople and Turkish officials, with the alleged conduct spanning his time as Brooklyn borough president through his mayoral campaign and current role as mayor.
Adams emphasized that he would not resign, stating, “I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, I would be a target.” The charges mark the first time a sitting New York City mayor has faced such serious legal accusations.