Federal Prosecutor Hints At More Charges In NYC Corruption Case

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announces corruption charges related to 2022 Election alongside Michael Levine, Chief Assistant District Attorney for Public Corruption, during a press conferen

During a court hearing, a federal prosecutor stated that additional charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams are 'possible' and it is 'likely' that there will be more defendants charged in the alleged corruption scheme. The prosecutor, Hagan Scotten, revealed evidence suggesting that Adams attempted to tamper with a witness in the investigation. Scotten claimed that after FBI agents approached a witness, the individual received a 'clear message' from Adams not to cooperate with the FBI, which was described as a 'significant instance of witness interference'.

Defense attorney Alex Spiro dismissed the accusations as lacking substance, stating that if there was a real case, it would have been presented. Scotten also mentioned that prosecutors have been unable to access the mayor's cell phone obtained last November, as Adams changed the password and claimed to have forgotten the new one.

The investigation reportedly began in the summer of 2021 before Adams assumed office as mayor. Adams is currently facing five federal charges, including bribery, corruption, wire fraud, and soliciting donations from foreign nationals. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and has maintained his innocence.

Mayor Adams accused of witness tampering by sending 'clear message' not to cooperate.

Federal prosecutor suggests additional charges and more defendants in corruption case.

Defense attorney claims accusations lack substance and questions evidence.

While Judge Dale Ho emphasized the importance of a speedy trial, no trial date has been set yet. The next hearing is tentatively scheduled for November 1 to address Adams' motion to dismiss the bribery charge and investigate potential leaks of information to the media by prosecutors.

Scotten proposed a trial schedule similar to former Senator Bob Menendez's bribery case, suggesting a trial start in May. The prosecutor also mentioned that City Hall has not fully responded to subpoenas issued in July regarding the mayor's interactions with foreign governments.

Allegations in the indictment suggest that Adams established questionable relationships during trips to Turkey, where he allegedly received free and discounted travel from a Turkish airline in exchange for influence. The case continues to unfold as both sides prepare for the legal proceedings.