Federal judge dismisses Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case
NEW YORK (WABC) -- A federal judge in New York on Wednesday dismissed corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams, but not in the way the Trump administration wanted.
Judge Dale Ho dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning it cannot be revived.
The Justice Department sought to have the case dismissed to free Adams to cooperate with the mayor's immigration agenda. The department wanted the case dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could be brought again.
Adams was indicted last year in the Southern District of New York on five counts in an alleged long-standing conspiracy connected to improper benefits, illegal campaign contributions and an attempted cover-up. He had pleaded not guilty.
Judge Ho declined to endorse DOJ's desired outcome.
"In light of DOJ's rationales, dismissing the case without prejudice would create the unavoidable perception that the Mayor's freedom depends on his ability to carry out the immigration enforcement priorities of the administration, and that he might be more beholden to the demands of the federal government than to the wishes of his own constituents. That appearance is inevitable, and it counsels in favor of dismissal with prejudice," Ho decided.
An attorney for Adams released a statement saying that justice for both Adams and New Yorkers has prevailed.
"The case against Eric Adams should have never been brought in the first place-and finally today that case is gone forever," attorney Alex Spiro said. "From Day 1, the mayor has maintained his innocence and now justice for Eric Adams and New Yorkers has prevailed."
Adams echoed that sentiment in remarks outside Gracie Mansion on Wednesday.
"Let me be clear, as I've said all along, this case should have never been brought and I did nothing wrong," Adams said. "I'm now happy that our city can finally close the book on this and focus solely on the future of our great city."
Adams also held up Kash Patel's 2023 book, "Government Gangsters," in which the now-FBI director called for a "comprehensive housecleaning" of the Justice Department.
"I'm going to encourage every New Yorker to read it," Adams said. "Read it and understand how we can never allow this to happen to another innocent American."
Adams made no reference on Wednesday to the president or to his agenda.
"The real story of New York City isn't about me or this case. It's about you and the bright future we're building together," he said.
Attorney Michael Bachner explains Judge Ho's decision:
The decision to dismiss the charges came just days after Adams' lawyer had pushed for them to be dismissed ahead of the April 3 deadline for petitions to be submitted for mayoral candidates to get on the June primary ballot.
A spokesperson with the Department of Justice released the following statement:
"This case was an example of political weaponization and a waste of resources. We are focused on arresting a prosecuting terrorists while returning the Department of Justice to its core mission of keeping Americans safe."
Political Consultant Hank Sheinkopf weighs in:
(ABC News contributed to this report.)
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