Mohamed Bahi, Mayor Adams’ former Muslim community liaison at City Hall, is in discussions with federal prosecutors about a potential plea deal after being charged with obstructing the corruption investigation that led to the mayor’s indictment, according to a new court filing. The filing, submitted this week by Manhattan U.S.
Attorney Damian Williams’ office , said prosecutors and Bahi’s attorney have since his Oct. 8 indictment “had discussions regarding a possible disposition of this case.” The feds wrote the plea talks remain ongoing and requested all filing deadlines be frozen until at least Dec.
9 “to continue the foregoing discussions and reach a disposition of this matter.” It wasn’t clear from the court papers whether any plea would require Bahi to cooperate in the corruption investigation that resulted in Adams’ indictment . A spokesman for Williams declined to comment Friday.
Bahi’s lawyer, Derek Adams, didn’t return a request for comment. The mayor has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, fraud, conspiracy and soliciting illegal campaign contributions. The charges stem from accusations that the mayor solicited and accepted illegal campaign cash and bribes, including luxury travel perks, from Turkish government operatives and others in exchange for doing official government favors, including resolving building safety issues.
The feds say they are “likely” to bring a superseding indictment against the mayor that could include additio.