NYC Mayor Eric Adams requests earlier trial date so he can focus on reelection campaign
NEW YORK– New York Mayor Eric Adams is trying to push back the start of his corruption and bribery trial so he can focus on his re-election campaign this spring.
In a letter sent to the federal judge on Monday, Adams’ attorney Alex Spiro requested that the trial begin on April 1 instead of April 1. current scheduled date of April 23.
“An earlier trial date will ensure that Mayor Adams’ rights to a speedy trial are upheld, that the Mayor can fully participate in his re-election campaign, and that the voters of this city can be freed from the distraction of this misleading indictment when they hear and evaluate. the Democratic candidates for mayor based on their merits,” Spiro wrote.
Adams, a Democrat, was charged in September on charges that he accepted luxury travel benefits and illegal campaign businesses from a Turkish official seeking political favors. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and insisted he would remain in office while he fights the case.
He is expected to face a contentious Democratic primary in June, with several opponents already signaling their interest in challenging him.
Questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan were not answered.
At a hearing earlier this month, prosecutors said they would be ready for a trial when scheduled, but noted they were still wading through piles of seized documents and had not yet accessed Adams’ personal cell phone , according to his complaint. Adams changed his password just before giving the phone to authorities, then claimed he had forgotten it.
In his letter Monday, Spiro said he would forego access to certain discovery materials if it meant the trial date would be accelerated. Under the current schedule, he predicted a ruling would come by the end of May, giving the mayor only a short time to clear his name among voters.
“Given the realities of the news and election cycle, this earlier trial date here is not only feasible, but essential,” Spiro wrote.