Special Counsel Proposed for High-Profile Adams Case

Person in suit with gavel and scales of justice

The call for a special counsel in Mayor Eric Adams’ legal case points to underlying complexities that challenge transparency and impartiality in high-stakes legal proceedings.

Quick Takes

A former Watergate prosecutor has urged the appointment of a special counsel for Eric Adams’ case.
Justice Department’s decision to drop charges against Adams spurs public interest issues.
Potential biases highlighted involving claimed corrupt agreements with the Trump administration.
Key resignations within the Justice Department sparked further controversy.

Push for Special Counsel

Former Watergate prosecutor Nathaniel Akerman has urged Judge Dale E. Ho to appoint a special counsel in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ case. Akerman presented a six-page letter to the judge, emphasizing the necessity for an independent investigation following the Justice Department’s decision to drop charges against Adams.

The charges included allegations of accepting illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials during Adams’ tenure as Brooklyn borough president. Akerman insists that these charges dropping does not serve the public interest and calls for an investigation into potential political influences affecting the Department’s decision.

Resignations Point to Internal Conflict

The case has led to a notable public dispute within the Justice Department, which resulted in the resignations of interim Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten. Both officials were against dismissing the charges against Adams, highlighting concerns over potential political quid pro quo and interference in immigration enforcement.

“No system of ordered liberty can allow the Government to use the carrot of dismissing charges, or the stick of threatening to bring them again, to induce an elected official to support its policy objectives.” – Hagan Scotten

Sassoon described the situation as setting a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent,” echoing sentiments of a Department torn by internal disagreements regarding justice’s role.

Allegations and Denials

Akerman also suggests that a possible corrupt agreement existed between Adams and the Trump administration involving support for immigration policies in exchange for case dismissal, although Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, dismissed these allegations as a “total lie.” These claims highlight broader concerns regarding transparency and political motivations within the justice system.

“Improper and unethical demands on prosecutors in New York and Washington” were noted by Akerman in his appeal to the court, suggesting possible sanctions for involved Justice Department officials, including Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove.