Federal agents continued investigating New York City Mayor Eric Adams just days before federal prosecutors were ordered to drop a corruption case against him, according to recently unsealed court records. These documents reveal that the investigation, which began in August 2021 while Adams was still Brooklyn borough president, included actions like seizing Adams’ phones and applying for search warrants, even as officials in Washington hesitated to advance the case. Adams has claimed he was targeted for criticizing former President Biden’s immigration policies.
The case gained public attention in November 2023 when FBI agents confiscated Adams’ devices after an event. Ten months later, he faced charges for accepting illegal campaign contributions and free travel. However, in February 2024, the new Justice Department leadership instructed prosecutors to drop the case, arguing it impaired the mayor’s involvement in immigration policy. This directive led to resignations from several federal prosecutors, including the Manhattan prosecutor Danielle Sassoon, who indicated the team was close to issuing more charges against Adams for obstruction.
The unsealed documents, revealed after a request from media outlets, highlight the extent of the investigation, including searches for electronic devices and locations connected to Adams and his associates. Investigators pursued leads that included his romantic partner’s residence and the mayor’s official home, Gracie Mansion.
In light of the case’s dismissal, Adams has labeled it unjust and insists he did not negotiate any deals with Trump, despite maintaining a cordial relationship with the former president. As he moves forward, Adams plans to skip the Democratic primary and run as an independent in the general election in November, facing an uncertain political future.
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