On Friday, Judge Dale Ho announced that New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to face trial for federal corruption charges on April 21, 2025.
according to ABC7, the trial date has frustrated the defense, which had hoped to finish the proceedings by early April. They raised concerns about the impact this could have on the mayor’s reelection campaign. “There is a point in early April when people know who is on the ballot,” defense attorney Alex Spiro said. “He’s either running with this hanging over his head or he’s running with this over.”
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Judge Ho reportedly responded by saying, “I appreciate the interest In speedy trial that any defendant has but particularly that Mayor Adams has given the election cycle. But I also have to be realistic about what I think can get done.”
The situation unfolded as Adams appeared in court on Friday, maintaining a calm demeanor while his attorneys worked to dismiss a significant charge from the federal corruption indictment that could jeopardize his political career.
His legal team is seeking to have a bribery charge removed, which is one of five counts in the case set to go to trial on April 21, 2025, according to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho.
During a hearing in Manhattan federal court, Adams’ lawyers argued that the bribery charge fails to meet the federal criteria for a crime, especially in light of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have changed the standards for prosecuting bribery cases.
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Prosecutors countered that Adams’ defense is being overly technical, asserting that he accepted bribes and exerted influence while in a previous elected position and as he was preparing to become mayor.
Ho said he would take the arguments “under advisement and attempt to rule shortly.”
The indictment, which features charges of wire fraud and conspiracy as well, alleges that Adams received flight upgrades and various luxury travel benefits worth $100,000, in addition to illicit campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals seeking to gain his influence.
