New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who pleaded not guilty last week to fraud and bribery charges, returned to Manhattan federal court on Wednesday as a US prosecutor suggested that additional charges could soon be brought against others involved in the case, which centers on Adams’ alleged corrupt dealings with Turkish officials, Agence France-Presse reported.

Adams, 64, is the first sitting mayor of New York City to be criminally indicted. The charges against him include wire fraud, soliciting illegal campaign donations and conspiring with Turkish nationals and at least one Turkish official to accept bribes in exchange for political favors. According to the indictment, the mayor allegedly received luxury gifts, including business-class international flights, hotel suites and high-end restaurant meals, as part of the conspiracy.

During the hearing prosecutor Hagan Scotten told U.S. District Judge Dale Ho that it was “likely” additional charges would be filed against other individuals involved in the scandal and hinted that Mayor Adams could face more counts. Scotten emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, which could expand to include other potential co-conspirators.

Bribery allegations

The scandal dates back over a decade to Adams’ tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president, a position he held before becoming mayor of the nation’s largest city. Prosecutors allege that Adams accepted gifts and bribes from Turkish associates in return for political influence and favors. One key example involves Adams allegedly using his position to pressure New York City’s fire department to expedite approval for Turkey’s new high-rise consulate in Manhattan, despite safety concerns raised by fire officials.

Prosecutors claim that just days after helping push the project through, Adams solicited additional travel benefits from his Turkish contacts. The indictment describes a pattern of concealed financial dealings and secret arrangements designed to provide Adams with lavish perks while allowing his associates to benefit from his political influence.

The charges have already led to calls for Adams’ resignation from some city and state officials. Notably, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, an influential lawmaker from New York, has publicly called for Adams to step down, arguing that his continued leadership would harm the city. The mayor, however, has remained defiant, refusing to resign and stating that he looks forward to defending himself in court.

The political implications of the case are significant, especially with the 2024 presidential election approaching. The indictment is a potential embarrassment for the Democratic Party, as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off in a tight race.

Adams, who was once considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, now finds himself at the center of a scandal that threatens to tarnish his legacy.

Adams’ defense team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, filed a motion on Wednesday to dismiss one of the five charges against the mayor.

Spiro has requested that the trial be scheduled before March to potentially conclude proceedings before the Democratic primary for the next mayoral election. Adams, who is up for re-election in 2025, has expressed his intention to clear his name before facing voters once again.

Judge Ho reserved his decision on the motion and the trial date but scheduled a procedural hearing for October 31.