【Epoch Times, October 19, 2024】
New York City Mayor Adams, who is facing federal charges for allegedly accepting bribes from Turkey, has had his lawyer argue that these were simply “thank you” gestures commonly received by politicians, and requested the case to be dismissed. In response, the prosecution presented a rebuttal to the court on October 18, asserting that these actions still constitute illegal bribery.
Adams stands accused of accepting bribes from Turkey totaling $123,000, including flight upgrades, discounted stays at luxurious hotels, as well as thousands of dollars in illegal donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign. In exchange, Adams allegedly pressured the New York City Fire Department to overlook fire safety concerns at a newly built Turkish consulate building. Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, claimed that some of the benefits received by Adams did not fit the US Supreme Court’s definition of “bribery” but were merely permissible “thank you” gestures. They filed a motion to dismiss the case before Judge Dale Ho on September 30.
Prosecutors from the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office refuted Spiro’s argument of “thank you” gestures in their court submission on October 18.
Prosecutor Celia Cohen stated that despite Adams arguing that accepting tens of thousands of dollars in benefits in exchange for pressuring city agencies was “business as usual” and “common,” it is up to the jury to determine whether this constitutes illegal bribery, and a guilty verdict can still be reached. Cohen cited a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarified the fundamental distinction between bribery and gratitude, highlighting that bribery aims to influence the recipient and obtain their agreement on exchanged conditions, while gratitude is simply a gesture of appreciation without requiring the recipient to agree to any conditions. She reiterated that the indictment clearly outlined Adams accepting Turkish travel hospitality and illicit political donations as bribes in exchange for agreement on conditions, rather than mere expressions of gratitude.
Adams faces five federal charges brought by the prosecutors, with the possibility of additional charges. He maintains his innocence and refuses to plead guilty or resign. Adams is required by law to respond to the prosecution’s rebuttal for the motion to dismiss within a week, by October 25, after which Judge Dale Ho will decide on the dismissal. There was no immediate response from Adam’s lawyer.