The Justice Department has formally requested a New York federal judge to dismiss the public corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This move comes after a recent standoff between DOJ leadership and career prosecutors who initially refused to sign off on the dismissal.
The court filing, signed by acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, aims to drop the charges against Mayor Adams, who had been scheduled to face trial this spring. Prosecutors Ed Sullivan and Antoinette Bacon have also approved the filing.
Despite the DOJ's request, the final decision to dismiss the charges rests with the judge overseeing the case. Mayor Adams has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and denying any wrongdoing.
This development follows a tumultuous week within the Justice Department, triggered by a directive from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructing New York prosecutors to abandon all charges against Mayor Adams. This directive faced resistance from officials within the DOJ, leading to a disagreement that escalated as seven veteran prosecutors resigned in protest.
The situation reached a climax during a meeting on Friday morning, where Bove instructed the remaining prosecutors in the public integrity unit to designate one career lawyer to file the dismissal. Following discussions, Sullivan, who is nearing retirement, volunteered to sign the dismissal document, effectively resolving the crisis. Bacon currently serves as the acting leader of the Justice Department's criminal division.
Mayor Adams was indicted in September on five federal charges, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals.
