NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted following a federal investigationsources told CBS News New York.
The move comes after several investigations involving the mayor and members of his administration.
Various probes have been in play for months, starting in November 2023, and heating up by the day several weeks ago.
Adams responded to the indictment report Wednesday night.
“My New York friends, I am now convinced that the federal government is going to charge me with a crime. If so, the charges will be false, based on lies. But they will not be surprised. I always know that I stand. The land is for all of you, that I will be the target, and the target is me.
“For many months, leaks and rumors have been aimed at destroying my credibility and implicating me. Just last week, they searched the house of our new police commissioner, looking for documents from 20 years ago in just one week. After he joined my administration, I will fight this injustice with my strength and passion.
“If I’m prosecuted, I know I’m innocent. I’m going to get a trial right away so New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I’m coming from. I’ve fought injustice all my life. The fight has continued as your mayor.” Despite our requests when the federal government does something as a broken immigration policy overloaded our shelter system with relief, I put the people of New York before the party and politics.
“Now, if I am prosecuted, many can say that I should resign because I cannot manage the city while fighting the case. faced this lie for a month, since I began to speak out for all of you and the investigation that began But the city has continued to improve , you chose me to lead this city I will pray and be patient when we see this, and God bless the city of New York.
The mayor may appear in court as soon as Thursday morning to face the charges, sources said.
Mayoral candidate Brad Lander called for Adams’ resignation
City Supervisor Brad Lander, who recently announced he will run for mayor in 2025, said Adams should step down.
“First of all, this is a sad day for New Yorkers. Trust in public institutions – especially City Hall – is essential for local democracy to function and for our city to thrive. The hardworking people of New York City deserve the city’s government. and credible leaders today, they don’t have,” Lander said. “Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves due process, the presumption of innocence, and a day in court. However, it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a lot of time and attention to manage this great city.
“The best way forward is for them to step down so that New York City can fully focus on what their leaders want. At this critical moment, city leaders must focus on how best to enable sustainable governance so that New York City can move forward and move forward.” as city supervisor, I will do everything I can to help make that happen.
Adams said he and the officials are cooperating
Asked if he would resign, Adams previously dismissed the idea outright.
“I’m stepping up, not stepping back,” Adams said Tuesday. “I have a city to run.”
Adams said that Tuesday looking forward to running for re-electionand was sworn in for a second term.
A spokeswoman for Adams said, “We expect all team members to comply with the remaining inquiries.”
In various investigations
Adams campaign fundraising investigation: Federal authorities are investigating donations to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign from people with ties to the Turkish government, sources told CBS News New York. The investigation began in November 2023. Federal agents stormed the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. Adams had been attending a meeting on the migrant crisis in Washington DC at the time of the attack, but returned to New York City when he heard of the attack on Suggs and others.
The investigation apparently escalated. People with knowledge of the investigation said a new round of subpoenas was sent to Adams’ lawyers in July seeking information related to Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.
Adams said Tuesday that, as mayor, he had only visited Israel and Qatar.
On the issue of fundraising research: Did a straw donor from Turkey contribute to the Adams campaignsource said. Reportedly, employees of a Brooklyn construction company allegedly donated to Adams’ campaign. However, when asked, some people said they couldn’t remember.
Investigators have been looking into whether the donations were linked to any pressure that could put the FDNY to approve the opening of the new Turkish consulate in Midtown, despite safety concerns, sources told CBS News New York.
The investigation is also looking into whether Adams received free flights and upgrades on Turkish Airlines, sources said.
Another investigation: Former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigns after he told them that federal agents raided his home and took his phone. The investigation is related to James Caban’s twin brother, who allegedly worked as a fixer for a restaurant and nightclub that had problems with the NYPD, sources told CBS News New York. James Caban allegedly helped the restaurant deal with issues like noise complaints and other issues that might warrant the attention of the NYPD.
Attorney James Caban argued that there was nothing wrong with the former NYPD officer working as a liaison between the NYPD and the nightclub.
Another investigation brought federal authorities to the home of Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks and the Hamilton Heights home of his brother, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and his partner, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. All three have been confiscated. The week after the raid, David Banks announced his retirement at the end of the year. He said he had previously told Adams about his retirement before the attack.
Also reportedly involved in the probe is another Banks brother, Terence Banks, who runs a consulting business called Pearl Alliance. The firm represents various companies that have contracts with New York City agencies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, banks are not registered lobbyists.
Here’s a closer look at who is involved in the various investigations.
