Eric Adams pleads not guilty in federal bribery case

LOWER MANHATTAN, Manhattan (PIX11) – Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal charges Friday afternoon in a Lower Manhattan courthouse.

Adams, who was not handcuffed and remained seated for the proceedings, told the judge he read the entire indictment.

“I’m not guilty, your honor,” he said.

He was released without bail. The judge set certain conditions to his bail, including people who he can and cannot contact related to the indictment.

Adams faces bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. He was fingerprinted, booked, and background checked following the unsealing of five federal charges.

The former Brooklyn borough president is accused of accepting $100,000 worth of lavish gifts from foreign donors, including free business-class airline tickets, upgraded hotel suites, and millions in foreign campaign contributions.

If convicted on all charges, Adams could face as many as 45 years in prison but the embattled mayor’s high profile lawyer assures Adams is innocent.

Following the arraignment, Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, spoke outside the courthouse, announcing that they would file a motion to dismiss the case next week.

“The entire body of evidence is one staffer, one staffer that says there was a conversation,” Spiro said. “What you have not learned is that that staffer has lied.”

Adams did not speak before his vehicle drove away from the courthouse. He is due back in court on Wednesday.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here .

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