A federal judge in Manhattan, Dale Ho, scrutinized the Department of Justice's (DOJ) request to dismiss a criminal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The case, initially handled by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office, became contentious when seven top prosecutors resigned rather than comply with Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove's directive to drop the case. Judge Ho reserved his ruling on whether to grant the DOJ's motion to dismiss after a recent hearing.
The DOJ's request for dismissal came in a memo dated February 10, spearheaded by Emil Bove. Bove argued that continuing the prosecution would impede Mayor Adams' ability to govern and pose risks of impropriety during New York's primary and mayoral elections. His decision followed an indictment last year, which was based on legal theories that DOJ Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle publicly questioned.
"The case against Mayor Adams was just one in a long history of past DOJ actions that represent grave errors of judgement." – Chad Mizelle
The legal theories underpinning the indictment were critiqued by Mizelle through a series of 20 tweets. He contended that the prosecution lacked merit and would likely not withstand appeal if Adams were convicted. Mizelle emphasized the substantial resources required for such a case, suggesting they could be better allocated.
"The amount of resources it takes to bring a prosecution like this is incredible — thousands and thousands of man hours. Those resources could better be used arresting violent criminals to keep New York safe or prosecuting gang and cartel members." – Chad Mizelle
The DOJ's move to dismiss followed a controversial agreement between Mayor Adams and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, allowing their presence in New York City's Riker's Island jail complex. This agreement transpired after Adams met with Trump's border czar, Tom Homan. Speculation arose regarding a possible quid pro quo, accusing the DOJ and Adams of dropping the criminal case in exchange for cooperation with Trump's immigration policies.
In court, Judge Ho expressed his intent to make a considered decision on the DOJ's motion.
"I am going to take everything you said under careful consideration." – Judge Dale Ho
He recognized the importance of not prolonging the proceedings unnecessarily.
"It's not in anyone's interest here for this to drag on, I understand that." – Judge Dale Ho
Judge Ho was clear about his approach to the decision-making process.
"I want to make sure I consider everything appropriate." – Judge Dale Ho
"But to exercise my discretion properly I am not going to shoot from my hip right here on the bench." – Judge Dale Ho
The hearing was attended by Mayor Adams, his lawyer Alex Spiro, and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. During the session, Bove reiterated that his directive did not question the integrity or efforts of the line prosecutors involved in the case.
"Moreover, as I said during our recent meetings, this directive in no way calls into question the integrity and efforts of the line prosecutors responsible for the case, or your efforts in leading those prosecutors in connection with a matter you," – Emil Bove
This case has been ongoing since last year when charges were initially filed against Mayor Adams. The timing of the DOJ’s dismissal request has further fueled controversy, especially following the resignation of acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and six other high-ranking prosecutors who opposed the dismissal order.