Eric Adams hit with five federal corruption charges in 57-page indictment: Live updates

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contribution by a foreign national and conspiracy on Thursday, becoming the first sitting mayor in modern history to face federal criminal charges.

US Attorneys in the Southern District of New York unveiled a sprawling five-count indictment against Adams, accusing him of seeking and accepting “illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign, as well as other things of value, from foreign nationals.”

The charges stem from a months-long federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign and his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals.

Federal prosecutors are accusing Adams of accepting “illegal” campaign donations, funneled through a straw donor scheme, and accepting luxurious benefits in exchange for wielding his power to intervene in a fire inspection at the Turkey consulate.

Adams said he was “not surprised” by the charges and denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

He declared he would not step down from his position as the top official in New York City, despite current and former lawmakers calling upon him to resign.

There are several unnamed individuals in the federal indictment accused of assisting or participating in the straw donor scheme or the lavish travel benefits from a Turkey official.

The Turkish Official – the individual who allegedly “steered” illegal contributions and improper gifts to Adams.

The Promoter – the person who allegedly “arranged” straw contributions for both of Adams’ mayoral campaigns and favorable treatment in Turkey in 2017 and 2019.

The Businessman – the owner and chairman of a Turkish University who allegedly made illegal contributions to Adams’ 2021 campaign and sought