Judge Dale Ho has ordered New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Justice Department to meet in his court Wednesday to discuss the motion to dismiss the government's case against the Democrat. Legal analysts are shocked as the case moves forward.
Adams was charged with bribery and campaign finance offenses last year after allegedly accepting improper benefits from foreign nationals while serving as Brooklyn's borough president.
According to one former Southern District of New York prosecutor, the charges against Adams were dropped in exchange for aiding the administration's crackdown on immigration. The accusations set off a confrontation between Emil Bove, Trump's personal lawyer and acting deputy attorney general, and Manhattan’s acting U.S. attorney, Danielle Sassoon, and her colleagues.
Seven DOJ employees, including Sassoon, resigned last week after the government ordered the charges dropped. A few of them published their resignation letters attacking the DOJ and alleging a "quid pro quo" with Adams.
ALSO READ: 'Not good!' Senator cracks up overhearing GOP colleague defend Trump DOJ's latest move
On Tuesday, a letter between Adams' lawyers and the DOJ was added to the court docket under the exhibits that legal analysts think makes the deal even clearer. It states that Adams' indictment stopped him from working as a "partner" to Trump on immigration.
"The letter literally lays out a quid pro quo," said national security lawyer Bradley P. Moss.
"It would be nice for a minute order stating 'Mr. Bove should pack a toothbrush,' but this will do for now," quipped lawyer Jay Reding.
"Brain genius Alex Spiro writes to Judge Ho denying he asked for a quid pro quo on Adams’s behalf, and attaches a letter to Emil Bove that (imo) fairly clearly lays one out," lawyer and writer Luppe B. Luppen said, citing a particular piece of the letter.
"But at this same time the federal government is seeking to accelerate long-overdue immigration enforcement efforts, Mayor Adams is being increasingly pulled away from the streets of his city by the necessity of preparing his defense against criminal charges—as unfounded as they are," the excerpt said. "As his trial grows near, it would be untenable for the Mayor to be the ever-present partner that DHS needs to make New York City as safe as possible."
"I mean, c’mon," Luppen followed.
"Let’s assume for argument’s sake that Adams meant only that he wants to help Trump but the trial would hinder his ability to do so. It’s still a quid pro quo! DOJ wants to dismiss “without prejudice” and to reassess after the election — and presumably will end the case only if Adams delivers," said former DOJ lawyer Eric Columbus.
