### Mayor Eric Adams Moves to Dismiss Federal Bribery Charge Citing Recent Supreme Court Ruling

In a bold legal maneuver, Mayor Eric Adams’ defense team has filed a motion to dismiss a federal bribery charge, leveraging a June Supreme Court decision that has since constrained federal authorities' capabilities in prosecuting bribery cases. The motion, filed by attorney Alex Spiro on Monday, seeks to undermine claims that Adams took bribes from Turkish officials to expedite the opening of a new consulate, despite known safety violations.

Spiro contends that the allegations lack specificity and could be attributed to routine diplomatic interactions rather than illicit behavior. “That extraordinarily vague allegation encompasses a wide array of normal and perfectly lawful acts that many city officials would undertake for the consulate of an important foreign nation,” Spiro stated, citing official meetings, advisory roles, and legal referrals as part of Adams’ legitimate duties.

Adams was indicted on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York last Thursday, culminating a probe that, along with other investigations, has loomed over his administration for the past 18 months. In a related development, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office seized a phone from another Adams official last Friday, aiding an inquiry that initially began with indictments against Adams’ fundraisers in July 2023.

Spiro criticized federal prosecutors for allegedly repackaging old theories into more ambiguous allegations to sidestep the Supreme Court's June ruling, which permits government officials to receive gratuities for past actions. He emphasized that such courtesies are common and not criminal under federal law, likening them to politicians receiving minor perks like better restaurant tables or complimentary appetizers.

The Supreme Court's decision has complicated corruption cases by narrowing the definition of what constitutes an "official act" in exchange for a bribe. Actions such as organizing meetings or offering bureaucratic assistance do not necessarily meet this criterion. Spiro argued that the accusations against Adams fail to demonstrate such an "official act," making them legally insufficient.

This legal strategy echoes arguments made by former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin's attorneys, who claimed he neither made an explicit promise nor performed an official act in return for donations. Though charges against Benjamin were initially dropped, they were later reinstated by a higher court.

Despite recent setbacks in corruption cases, such as U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez's conviction over the summer, Adams' motion describes the prosecutors as overzealous and maintains that he did not engage in any regulatory actions to benefit the Turkish consulate.

Furthermore, Adams' defense challenged the allegations of an illegal straw donor scheme, labeling them as baseless and fueled by a disgruntled staffer. Adding to his defense, Adams enlisted two more attorneys from Quinn Emanuel, now totaling three lawyers.

Adams' political stability received a boost as Rev. Al Sharpton cautioned Governor Kathy Hochul against using her authority to remove Adams from office amid the legal proceedings. In East New York, opinions remain mixed as many locals feel betrayed but are reserving judgment as the legal battle unfolds.

Samantha Max has contributed to this report.