New York City Mayor Eric Adams is accusing federal authorities of leaking grand jury material in connection with the ongoing criminal corruption investigation against him. Adams and his legal team allege that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has been leaking information related to the grand jury proceedings, including details about raids and subpoenas, to the media for nearly a year. The mayor claims this has undermined his right to a fair trial.
In a motion filed Tuesday, Adams’ legal team is calling for a Manhattan judge to hold a hearing on the alleged leaks and to impose sanctions on federal prosecutors. The mayor argues that such grand jury materials are meant to remain confidential, and the unauthorized release of this information has tainted the public’s perception of him. “It’s my understanding that this information is supposed to be secret,” Adams said during a press briefing. His legal team believes the media reports have made it impossible for him to receive an impartial trial.
Adams is already seeking the dismissal of one of the bribery charges against him, arguing that the charge does not meet the federal legal definition of bribery. The case stems from allegations that the mayor accepted lavish trips and illegal campaign contributions from foreign officials in exchange for political favors. Adams has pleaded not guilty to the five-count indictment against him and maintains that he has done nothing wrong.
Despite facing significant legal challenges and several high-profile resignations from his administration, Adams remains defiant. “I’ve done nothing wrong, and I will prove my innocence,” he told reporters. Adams has vowed not to resign, even as critics, including members of his own Democratic party, continue to demand that he step aside. “The city is still functioning,” Adams said, asserting that he is able to continue performing his duties as mayor.
The latest resignation from Adams’ administration came from Timothy Pearson, a close ally and advisor, who stepped down amid legal scrutiny and an FBI investigation that resulted in his phone being seized earlier this year. Pearson’s resignation marks the fifth high-ranking official to depart from the administration since the corruption allegations surfaced.
Governor Kathy Hochul has also weighed in on the controversy, but she has so far refrained from calling for Adams’ resignation. While Hochul has the power to remove the mayor from office, she has indicated that she is closely monitoring the situation and has not taken any steps toward such action.
As Adams fights to clear his name, the legal battle continues to complicate his administration, though some New Yorkers appear to be growing weary of the calls for his resignation. However, with ongoing investigations and mounting pressure from federal authorities, the future of his leadership remains uncertain.
