NYC Mayor Eric Adams turned himself in to federal authorities on Friday in advance of his planned appearance before a federal judge in Manhattan. This followed a historic indictment against him, accusing him of engaging in a decade-long corruption scheme.Adams, now the first current mayor of New York City to face an indictment, was scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court at noon. The charges accuse him of accepting illegal bribes and campaign donations from foreign nationals in return for favors. He is expected to enter a plea of not guilty.
With a stern expression, Adams gave a thumbs-up but remained silent as he exited his motorcade and made his way into the courthouse shortly before 9 a.m.
Like other defendants, Adams underwent standard processing, including fingerprinting and a pre-hearing interview by court officials. His mugshot will also be taken prior to the arraignment.
The five-count indictment, revealed on Thursday, accuses Adams of receiving numerous inappropriate gifts from Turkish government representatives and businessmen. These gifts allegedly include $123,000 worth of hotel accommodations and either free or heavily discounted flights. In addition, federal prosecutors claim that Adams illegally acquired $10 million in public campaign funds.
In exchange for these benefits, Adams allegedly used his influence to help his benefactors, such as pushing New York City officials to overlook fire inspections and approve the construction of the large Turkish Consulate in Manhattan, the indictment claims.
Adams’ surrender to authorities came after his attorney, Alex Spiro, requested that the court postpone the arraignment until at least Monday, arguing this would reduce the number of trips the mayor would have to make to the courthouse. However, Judge Katharine Parker had not yet responded to the request.
Adams is facing charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery, linked to a scheme that prosecutors claim began during his tenure as Brooklyn borough president, a position he held from 2013 to 2021. He has maintained his innocence throughout.
On Thursday, Adams stated that he has no intention of stepping down and is determined to contest the charges. “From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city,” he declared in a news conference outside of Gracie Mansion. “It’s an unfortunate day. And it’s a painful day. But inside all of that is a day when we will finally reveal why, for 10 months, I’ve gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself.”
Earlier in the day, Adams suggested that federal authorities were targeting him due to his outspoken stance on the migrant crisis currently affecting New York City.
His lawyer, Spiro, defended the mayor by arguing that it was not uncommon for government officials to receive certain travel perks, stating, “That’s what airlines do,” while emphasizing that these benefits are frequently provided to VIPs and members of Congress. Spiro further noted that many of the trips in question took place years ago, during Adams’ time as Brooklyn borough president.
Despite Adams’ and Spiro’s firm denials, there have been persistent calls for the mayor to step down since news of the indictment emerged.
On Friday, in the midst of the legal upheaval, Adams attempted to maintain a sense of normalcy in his routine. His schedule for the day included meetings with senior administration officials at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., as well as two more meetings after his court appearance, set for 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., including one with the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary.
If convicted on all counts, Adams could face up to 45 years in prison.

Year
Destination
Benefits
Value
Disclosed?

2016
India (via Turkey)
Free upgrade to business class for two on round-trip flight from New York to India
$12,000
No

2017
France, Turkey, and China
Free business class tickets for three on round trip from New York to France, Turkey, and China; heavily discounted stay in Bentley Suite of St. Regis Istanbul
$41,000+
No

2017
China (via Turkey)
Free business class tickets for two on round trip from New York to China
$16,000+
No

2018
Hungary (via Turkey)
Free upgrade to business class for two on round trip from New York to Hungary
$12,000+
No

2019
Turkey
Free upgrade to business class for one on flight from New York to Turkey; free stay at Cosmopolitan Suite of St. Regis Istanbul; free meals, transportation, and entertainment in Istanbul
$9,000+
No

2021
Turkey (solicited and accepted but then canceled)
Free upgrade to business class for two on round trip from New York to Turkey; free or steeply discounted luxury hotel and resort stays, transportation, entertainment, and meals
$21,000+
No

2021
Ghana (via Turkey)
Free upgrade to business class for two on round trip from New York to Ghana; free meal and transportation during Istanbul layover
$12,000+
No