New York Mayor Adams appears in court for the first time, prosecutors reveal they may add additional charges

On October 2, New York City Mayor Eric Adams made his initial court appearance at the Southern District of New York in response to five federal charges filed against him. During the hearing, prosecutors hinted that more charges could be on the way, and the list of individuals implicated might also grow.

Federal prosecutor Hagan Scotten informed the judge that they are considering seeking a “superseding indictment,” which could introduce new charges to replace the existing ones against Adams. Scotten emphasized that it is “highly likely” additional defendants will also face charges in this ongoing case.

The investigation into Adams has encountered challenges, as Scotten disclosed that investigators have been unable to unlock the mayor’s cellphone, which he described as an “unknown factor” in the case. If investigators succeed in gaining access, it could uncover further evidence that might lead to additional charges. Court documents indicate that Adams handed over his personal phone to law enforcement only a day after FBI agents confronted him on the street last November. He stated that he changed his phone’s passcode the night before to prevent his staff from accidentally or intentionally deleting any information, but later forgot the new password.

As for the defense team’s earlier motion to dismiss the bribery charges and investigate alleged leaks by prosecutors, all parties have agreed to argue this issue in court on November 1. Legal experts note that a recent Supreme Court ruling in Snyder v. United States complicates the prosecution’s case against Adams, though the claim of leaks is likely to be dismissed due to insufficient direct evidence.

Adams’ chief attorney, Alex Spiro, expressed optimism that the trial could wrap up by March of next year, enabling Adams to register for the upcoming mayoral election. In contrast, the prosecution aims to prolong the process to gather more evidence.

Despite the allegations, Adams has remained steadfast and is not considering resignation, even as New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the authority to initiate removal proceedings, faces scrutiny regarding her position. Reports from CNN and Gothamist reveal that Hochul is urging Adams to “clean house” by appointing “trusted public servants.” Several members of Adams’ inner circle are currently under investigation, including Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Phil Banks, Schools Chancellor David Banks, former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, and Senior Advisor Timothy Pearson, who has been linked to multiple scandals. Following Pearson’s resignation announcement, Hochul publicly remarked on October 2 that “this is a good first step.”