NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty Friday as he was arraigned on an indictment in Manhattan federal court charging him with bribery and wire fraud for allegedly soliciting campaign contributions from overseas donors following a wide-ranging federal probe into corruption at City Hall. Adams, wearing a crisp blue suit, entered his plea as he stood before federal magistrate judge Katharine Parker. “I am not guilty, your honor,” Adams said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Cohen told the court that prosecutors and Adams’ defense agreed on a bond package under which Adams would be released provided he agrees not to contact any witnesses or individuals named in the indictment.
“Mayor Adams will be released today on the following conditions: he shall have no contact with any individual witnesses or others listed in the list to be provided by the government, concerning the facts and circumstances outlined in the indictment,” Parker said. “This does not preclude Mayor Adams from having routine communications concerning business and private family matters.” The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Manhattan U.
S. attorney’s office that has scrutinized allegations Turkey’s government funneled illegal donations into Adams’ 2021 campaign coffers. The indictment comes after revelations earlier this month that authorities are also looking into communications between Adams and the governments of five other foreign countries.
In the five-count indict.
