A former Watergate prosecutor has called for a Special Counsel in the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting concerns about transparency and objectivity in the legal proceedings.
At a Glance
- Ex-Watergate prosecutor Nathaniel Akerman urges appointment of Special Counsel in Eric Adams case
- Justice Department’s move to dismiss charges against Adams sparks controversy
- Allegations of illegal campaign contributions and perks from Turkish officials
- Public dispute among Justice Department officials leads to resignations
- Concerns raised about potential political influence and quid pro quo arrangements
Call for Special Counsel Raises Concerns
Nathaniel Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor, has taken the unusual step of urging a federal judge to appoint a Special Counsel in the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This move comes in response to the Justice Department’s request to drop charges against Adams, raising questions about the integrity of the legal process.
Akerman sent a letter to Judge Dale E. Ho, arguing that the public’s interest was not adequately represented in the Justice Department’s decision. The former prosecutor suggested that the court should investigate the reasoning behind the dismissal request and consider appointing an independent special prosecutor to ensure a thorough and unbiased examination of the case.
Allegations and Resignations
The case against Mayor Adams centers on accusations of accepting illegal campaign contributions and perks from Turkish officials during his tenure as Brooklyn Borough President. The controversy has led to a public dispute within the Justice Department, resulting in several high-profile resignations.
Interim Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten were among those who resigned, citing opposition to dropping the charges. They expressed concerns about potential political influence and the possibility of a quid pro quo arrangement involving immigration enforcement.
Allegations of Corrupt Agreement
Akerman’s letter to the judge goes further, claiming evidence of a corrupt agreement between Adams and the Trump administration. The former prosecutor alleges that the case dismissal was exchanged for support of immigration enforcement policies. This claim has been vehemently denied by Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, who called it a “total lie.”
The Justice Department’s decision to drop charges has been linked to Adams’ role in supporting Trump’s immigration policies and his reelection campaign. This connection has fueled speculation about the motivations behind the case dismissal and raised concerns about the integrity of the legal process.