Judge rejects the corruption case against New York Mayor Adams and mentions political interference

US district judge Dale E. Ho granted the discharge “with prejudice”, which means the charges cannot be revived – a decision that Adams undertakes to rule under the shadow of possible prosecution. A Federal Judge on Wednesday rejected the corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams, with an unusual request from the Justice Department to drop the charges so that Democratic Mayor could help with former President Donald Trump’s immigration. US district judge Dale E. Ho granted the discharge “with prejudice”, which means the charges cannot be revived – a decision that Adams undertakes to rule under the shadow of possible prosecution. However, according to the Associated Press, he criticized sharply and pointed out that it was a political bargain. “Everything here is a bargain: discharge of the indictment in exchange for concessions for immigration policy,” Ho wrote in his command. He mentioned “disturbingly” that public officials could get prosecution by in line with the policy goals of an administration. The Justice Department sought an “without prejudice”, which would have left the possibility of relocation charges. But Ho rejected the option and warned that it could create the perception that Adams’ freedom depended on his compliance with Trump’s immigration agenda. “The dismissal of the case without prejudice would create the inevitable perception that the freedom of the mayor depends on his ability to carry out the priorities for immigration enforcement of the administration,” Ho wrote. The dismissal follows months of legal and political upheaval. The case, which was initially brought during President Joe Biden’s administration, accused Adams of accepting illegal contributions and favors of a Turkish official in exchange for political favors, including quickly locating a diplomatic building’s approval without proper fire inspections. Adams pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence throughout. But after Trump held office, the Justice Department suddenly moved to abandon the case, asking several career prosecutors to resign in protest. Among them was the then US attorney Danielle Sassoon, who refused to comply, and argued that she could not justify a dismissal based on political considerations. The decision also sent shockwaves through politics in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, allegedly considered removing Adams from office, but ultimately selecting it, for fear that it would be undemocratic. With New York Democratic Primary, just three months away, Adams now faces a crowded field of challengers, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Democrats who argue that he is guilty of Trump to rule independently. Adams denied any improper influence, saying, “I look exclusively to the 8.3 million New Yorkers I represent, and I will always put this city first.” The Justice Department, in a statement, cites the case “an example of political weapon and a waste of resources.” However, critics regard the dismissal as a clear example of the persecution of the prosecution for political purposes – a concern that Judge Ho emphasizes in his judgment. “The court cannot force prosecutors to move forward,” he wrote, “but the circumstances here arise serious questions about the integrity of the process.” Adams refused to comment on the discharge Wednesday, which unfolds the legal and political fallout as the mayoral match warms up.