A former Watergate prosecutor has demanded federal intervention after the Justice Department abruptly moved to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Attorney Nathaniel Akerman called for an independent special counsel to investigate alleged political quid pro quo influencing the DOJ’s decision.
Three former U.S. attorneys joined Akerman in urging Judge Dale E. Ho to conduct a “searching factual inquiry” into the DOJ’s controversial reversal.
‘This case raises fundamental concerns about the rule of law and separation of powers,’wrote ex-prosecutors representing multiple districts.
The dispute centers on allegations that Adams accepted over $100,000 in illegal campaign contributions from Turkish interests during his tenure as Brooklyn borough president. Prosecutors claim internal DOJ documents reveal a potential deal: charges would vanish if Adams supported the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Key developments complicating the case:
- Mass resignations of five senior DOJ officials protesting the dismissal
- Claims of suppressed evidence showing campaign finance violations
- Ongoing calls for state prosecutors to pursue grand jury materials
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove defended dropping charges as necessary for securing Adams’ cooperation with border enforcement efforts. However, Akerman countered that the DOJ created a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent” by allegedly using criminal charges as political leverage.
Judge Ho now faces mounting pressure to:
- Require Bove to testify under oath about dismissal rationale
- Appoint a special prosecutor if DOJ withdraws
- Release sealed evidence to state authorities
As Adams pleads not guilty while campaigning for reelection, over 100 former federal prosecutors have publicly condemned the DOJ’s actions. The brewing constitutional crisis highlights growing tensions between judicial oversight and executive power.