Judge Orders Adams, DOJ to Attend Court Over Corruption Case
New York City – A federal judge has summoned Mayor Eric Adams and former Department of Justice (DOJ) officials from the Trump administration to appear in court over a motion to dismiss corruption charges filed under the Biden administration.
Judge Dale Ho of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered Adams and the parties involved to appear in court on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET. Additionally, Ho instructed Adams to submit written consent to the motion by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
The DOJ motion cited Adams’ alleged consent in writing, but such documentation had not been provided to the court.
Legal Considerations
Ho recognized the executive branch’s authority in prosecuting and dismissing cases. However, he stressed the judiciary’s independent obligations once the government initiates an indictment or conviction.
Citing judicial history, Ho stated that a judge must be satisfied with the reasons provided for the proposed dismissal before approving it.
Fallout and Political Pressure
The DOJ’s motion to dismiss has triggered significant fallout. Four of Adams’ deputy mayors resigned on Monday, and several top prosecutors in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., have also stepped down.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed consideration for removing Adams from office, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo is rumored to be eyeing a mayoral challenge.
Scott Stringer, the former City Comptroller, and current City Comptroller Brad Lander are among the candidates already competing against Adams in the June Democratic mayoral primary.
Lander has threatened to initiate a process for removing Adams without the governor’s approval.
Justice Department Investigation
Meanwhile, the Justice Department is investigating alleged insubordination among federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York.
Charges and Cooperation
Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawfully receiving campaign contributions and lavish travel perks while serving as Brooklyn borough president. The alleged bribes aimed to influence his decisions.
Despite criticism of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, Adams is cooperating with Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan. This collaboration has allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to resume operations at Rikers Island jail.
Upcoming Mayoral Primary
The mayoral primary will coincide with a decision by the New York Court of Appeals on a law that could extend voting rights to 800,000 noncitizens.
Special Counsel Request
A former Watergate prosecutor has urged Judge Ho to appoint a special counsel to assist in handling the DOJ motion. Meanwhile, three ex-U.S. attorneys have called for a thorough factual inquiry.
Alleged Quid Pro Quo
Danielle Sassoon, the interim Manhattan U.S. Attorney, has alleged a quid pro quo in the DOJ’s handling of the Adams case. Adams has denied these claims.
Nathaniel Akerman, a one-time Watergate prosecutor, echoed Sassoon’s assertions in a letter to Judge Ho.
