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Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, reportedly indicted following corruption investigation | Eric Adams

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Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, reportedly indicted following corruption investigation | Eric Adams

New York Mayor Eric Adams has been charged following a federal corruption investigation, the New York Times reported.

It is unclear what charges will be brought against Adams, 64, but once the indictment is made public, he will be the first sitting New York mayor to be charged. Federal prosecutors are expected to outline the details of the charges on Thursday, the newspaper reported.

The news comes as some of his closest associates and advisers have come under federal scrutiny as city prosecutors began investigating his inner circle.

The development in the Adams case comes less than a month after federal agents raided the homes of high-ranking officials in Adams’ administration. Agents seized devices from the New York police chief’s home.

The Adams administration could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to the New York Post, police set up cordons outside Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s home. As the newspaper reported, City Hall officials knew Wednesday morning that Adams would soon be charged, sending staff into a panic throughout the day.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan declined to comment.

“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers, I would be a target – and I was,” Adams said in a statement that suggested he had not been informed of the charges. “If I am charged, I am innocent and will fight it with all my strength and determination.”

In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams acknowledged that some New Yorkers would question his ability to govern the city while he battles the allegations, but he vowed to stay in office.

“I’ve had to face these lies for months … and yet the city has continued to improve,” Adams said. “Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and I will lead it.”

Federal investigations into his administration first came to public attention on November 2, 2023, when FBI agents raided the Brooklyn home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, in the early morning hours.

At the time, Adams insisted he was following the law and said he would be “shocked” if anyone on his campaign team had acted illegally. “I can’t tell you how many times I start every day by telling my team that we have to follow the law,” he told reporters at the time.

Days later, FBI agents seized the mayor’s phones and iPad as he left an event in Manhattan. The interaction was disclosed several days later by the mayor’s attorney.

Then, on September 4, federal investigators seized electronic devices inside and outside City Hall belonging to the police chief, the schools chancellor, the deputy mayor for public safety, the first deputy mayor and other Adams confidants.

Federal prosecutors declined to comment on the investigation, but people familiar with elements of the cases described several separate investigations involving high-ranking Adams associates and their relatives, campaign fundraising and possible interference with police and fire departments.

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