Judge ruled that the case could not be revived, condemning what he described as an apparent quid pro quo arrangement.A United States federal judge has permanently dismissed corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, even as he criticised the Trump administration’s argument that the case should be dropped because it was hindering the Democratic politician’s help with an immigration crackdown.
The Justice Department’s request in February that the case be dismissed because it was distracting the mayor from helping Republican President Donald Trump step up deportations sent shockwaves through the politics of the most populous US city.
It prompted eight federal prosecutors to resign over concerns the administration was violating longstanding norms by allowing political considerations to influence prosecutorial decisions.
In a 78-page ruling on Wednesday, US District Judge Dale Ho in Manhattan said he had little choice but to dismiss the indictment because US courts lack the authority to compel prosecutors to pursue charges.
The judge ruled that the case could not be revived, condemning what he described as an apparent quid pro quo arrangement. Advertisement
“Everything here smacks of a bargain: dismissal of the indictment in exchange for immigration policy concessions,” Ho wrote in his decision.
Ho’s decision to dismiss the case “with prejudice” means federal prosecutors cannot refile the charges, removing what legal experts say could have been used as leverage over the mayor’s policy decisions.
The mayor had faced allegation …
