Breaking: Here's what's in the 5-count indictment against Mayor Adams

What happens if the mayor resigns — or refuses to leave City Hall? [View this email in a browser.]( Gothamist relies on your support to make local news available to all. Not yet a member? [Consider donating and join today.]( [a close-up of Mayor Adams]( [Here's what's in the 5-count indictment against Mayor Adams]( Mayor Eric Adams, who took office nearly three years ago pledging to tackle crime and punish wrongdoers across the five boroughs, has become the first New York City mayor in modern history to be indicted for alleged crimes of his own. [In a 57-page indictment unsealed Thursday morning]( federal prosecutors accused Adams of violating campaign finance laws by "providing favorable treatment in exchange for the illicit benefits he received" from foreign nationals. The charging document describes how Adams allegedly accepted bribes, like free travel, and solicited straw donations concealing the true source of the money contributed to his campaign. He was then able to multiply some of those contributions with public matching funds paid for by taxpayers. The historic charges are the culmination of an investigation into foreign influence in Adams’ campaign fundraising during his successful 2021 mayoral bid. Prosecutors added that the alleged bribery scheme then continued after the mayor was elected and into his 2025 campaign. Adams has remained defiant and said he has no plans to step down, even after federal agents seized his phone for the second time in less than a year early this morning. [Read More]( What You Need to Know - [Feds search Mayor Adams' residence]( after he vows to fight charges in sprawling federal probe - As Mayor Adams faces indictment, [calls for his resignation]( mount on the left - [What happens]( if Mayor Adams resigns — or refuses to leave City Hall? - [Here's what to know about Damian Williams]( the U.S. Attorney bringing these charges against the mayor “I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, I would become a target. And a target I became.” - Mayor Adams in a video taped Wednesday night, [DENOUNCING THE FORTHCOMING FEDERAL CHARGES]( [We Rely On Your Support]( [New York Public Radio] [WNYC]( | [WQXR]( | [NJPR]( | [GOTHAMIST]( [WNYC STUDIOS]( | [THE GREENE SPACE]( Copyright © New York Public Radio. All rights reserved. 160 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013 [TERMS OF USE]( You can update your [PREFERENCES]( or [UNSUBSCRIBE]( from this list.