State Officials Prepare for Potential Removal of Indicted Mayor

Gavel next to indictment document on wooden table.

New York State officials are quickly developing a legal procedure to potentially remove Mayor Eric Adams following his recent federal indictment.

At a Glance

  • New York officials are exploring legal avenues to potentially remove Mayor Eric Adams from office.
  • The indictment accuses Adams of engaging in bribery, fraud, and defrauding taxpayers.
  • Governor Kathy Hochul is reviewing legal codes but has not made a definitive statement.
  • If Adams is removed, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become mayor.
  • Adams has vowed to continue his duties and criticized the Department of Justice.

Possible Removal of Mayor Eric Adams

New York State officials are in the process of formulating legal procedures for potentially removing Mayor Eric Adams following his federal indictment. The indictment accuses Adams of accepting bribes from foreign nationals and defrauding taxpayers of $10 million. The gravity of these charges necessitates a thorough examination of legal and political intricacies. Governor Kathy Hochul’s office is actively reviewing state legal codes on mayoral removal, emphasizing the maintenance of public confidence in the process.

The New York City charter permits the governor to remove the mayor “upon charges,” allowing Adams an opportunity to defend himself. Hochul’s office has stated, “Of course, the counsel’s office would be prepared to present to the governor on any possible legal scenario related to this matter,” underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the situation.

Nature of the Indictment

Adams is accused of accepting over $100,000 in illegal gifts to leverage his political influence for the benefit of Turkey. The indictment includes counts of bribery conspiracy, wire fraud, and solicitation of illegal foreign campaign donations. Federal prosecutors, including U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, have stated that Adams was aware the gifts were illegal and took measures to conceal them.

If convicted on all counts, Adams faces a maximum of 45 years in prison, though federal guidelines suggest he would serve a lesser sentence. Senior congressional lawmakers, including Jerrold Nadler, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Nicole Malliotakis, have called for his resignation. This marks the first time a sitting New York City mayor has been charged with a crime.

Governor Hochul’s Response

Governor Kathy Hochul has the authority to remove Adams under a rarely used state law. Historically, this power has been exercised only once, by former Governor Franklin Roosevelt. Good government groups, such as Reinvent Albany, are urging Hochul to use this authority. Hochul commented, “I know this, and anything I can do as the leader of this great state to assure them that they are in good hands, we will make sure we get through this.”

“I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments,” Adams stated, maintaining his innocence and intentions to remain in office. He criticizes the Department of Justice for what he claims are targeted allegations, asserting that he is being singled out for criticizing the Biden administration during the migrant crisis.

Looking Forward

The situation remains dynamic, as New York State officials continue to explore legal avenues for potential mayoral removal. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is monitoring the situation, potentially eyeing a political comeback. Adams’s next steps and the state’s legal maneuvers will undoubtedly influence the governance of New York City for the foreseeable future.

“I want to be clear, these upgrades and freebies were not part of some frequent flyer or benefits program available to the general public,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor from a single New York City official on the rise.”

The stakes are high as Governor Hochul and other New York State officials work swiftly to ensure accountability at the highest levels of public office. Their actions will serve as a litmus test for the state’s ability to uphold integrity and public trust amid significant political upheaval.

Sources:

  1. NY officials scramble over possibility of removing Mayor Eric Adams from office: sources
  2. Gov. Hochul Can Remove Eric Adams From Office. Will She?
  3. Live Updates: Eric Adams Pleads Not Guilty to Bribery and Fraud Charges
  4. Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals. He says he won’t resign
  5. Highlights: NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on charges of taking bribes and illegal campaign funds from foreign sources

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