NYC Mayor Eric Adams gets April 2025 trial date as his lawyers fight to get bribery charge tossed

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ federal corruption trial will begin next April, a judge ruled Friday, right in the thick of his promised reelection campaign.

U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho set the trial date as Adams returned to Manhattan federal court for a hearing on his bid to eliminate a key charge in the indictment that threatens his political future.

Ho said he’s confident the April 21, 2025, date will hold, “assuming nothing unexpected comes up.”

At the same time, prosecutors said they still haven't been able to crack a potentially crucial piece of evidence: Adams’ personal cellphone. According to his indictment, Adams changed his password just before giving the phone to authorities, then claimed he forgot it.

Adams' lawyers are fighting to throw out a bribery charge, one of five counts against the first-term Democrat.

They argued the charge doesn’t meet the U.S. Supreme Court’s recently narrowed threshold for the crime and shouldn’t apply to Adams because it involves allegations dating to before he became mayor.

“The prosecutor for the United States had trouble defining what the ‘quo’ is here,” Adams’ lawyer John Bash argued, referring a “quid pro quo,” a Latin phrase meaning “something for something.”

Prosecutors countered that Adams' lawyers were splitting hairs because, they allege, Adams was taking bribes and exerting influence while holding a prior elected office and as he anticipated becoming mayor.

Ho said he would take the arguments “under advisement and attempt to rule shortly."

The indictment, which also includes wire fraud and conspiracy charges, accuses Adams of accepting flight upgrades and other luxury travel perks valued at $100,000 along with illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence.

In exchange, prosecutors say, Adams performed favors benefiting the Turkish government, including pressuring the fire department in 2021 to approve the opening of a consulate that it deemed unsafe.

Adams held a different elected position at the time, Brooklyn borough president, but by then it was clear that he would become mayor.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to the charges and vowed to remain in office as he mounts his legal defense.

Bash argued the alleged perks don't meet the legal definition of bribery because they predate his time as mayor and have "nothing to do with his governmental position.”

Adams' lawyers contend prosecutors are seeking to criminalize “normal and perfectly lawful acts” that Adams undertook as Brooklyn borough president before he was elected mayor.

Under the law, prosecutors must show that Adams took bribes in exchange for using his official office to exert influence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten argued that Adams knew he was “entering into a transactional relationship” with his Turkish benefactors and that his role as borough president “gets him in the room, as it were, with the fire commissioner.”

Ho wondered whether, rather than Adams' job as borough president, it was Adams’ impending move to City Hall that gave him the power to pressure the fire department.

“It seems a little weird when the jurisdictional connection here is that he was Brooklyn borough president but that his ability to exert pressure extends from something else," Ho said.

Scotten stood firm, arguing that “if Margot Robbie gave him a call and was really persuasive,” the “Barbie” actor and producer still wouldn't be able to influence the fire department without also holding an elected office.

“He probably would've taken that call," Ho quipped, prompting laughter in the courtroom.

Zeroing in on the incongruity of the law — campaign contributions are legal, but bribes are not — Bash argued that it would be perfectly fine for a public official to pressure a casino licensing board on behalf of a campaign donor.

“A general agreement to help is not a federal crime," Bash argued.

Adams sat stoically for most of the two-hour hearing, but he perked up just before Ho set the trial date — nodding emphatically as another of his lawyers, Alex Spiro, warned that a trial overlapping with next June’s Democratic primary would be a “grave, grave democratic concern.”

Scotten said at a hearing last month that prosecutors are pursuing “several related investigations” and that it is “quite likely” they will seek a superseding indictment charging Adams with additional crimes. Scotten also said it is “likely” additional defendants will be charged.

Prosecutors disclosed Friday that they’ve searched through nearly two-dozen electronic devices seized in the investigation but still haven’t been able to access Adams’ cellphone and aren’t sure they will.

Late Thursday, Ho rejected another defense attempt to chip away at the case, denying Adams' request for a hearing on the mayor's claims that the government has been leaking information about the investigation to the news media.

The judge ruled that Adams and his lawyers failed to substantiate those claims and, if any leaks occurred, that the government was to blame.

In court filings outlining their arguments, Adams' lawyers said the years of flight upgrades and other perks the mayor received were at most “classic gratuities,” which a recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings found were not covered by the bribery statute if they were given for past acts, according to the filing.

Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, responded that Adams actions were plainly criminal.

“It should be clear from the face of the indictment that there is nothing routine about a public official accepting over $100,000 in benefits from a foreign diplomat, which he took great pains to conceal — including by manufacturing fake paper trails to create the illusion of payment,” prosecutors wrote.

Several of Adams’ closest aides — including his police commissioner, schools chancellor and multiple deputy mayors — have resigned in recent months after federal investigators executed coordinated searches of their homes in early September.

Adams has maintained that he can continue to lead the city effectively while fighting the charges.

But his political future remains fraught and several opponents have announced plans to challenge him in next year's mayoral primary.

Earlier this week, Adams raised eyebrows after repeatedly declining to criticize former President Donald Trump, refusing to say when he last spoke with the Republican nominee or whether he was angling for a pardon should Trump win reelection.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams supporters cheers as he exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024. (AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams supporters cheers as he exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams supporters cheers as he exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams supporters cheers as he exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits from the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

FILE - New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives to the US federal court house in New York, Friday, Nov. 01, 2024.(AP Photo/Kena Betancur)

FILE - New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to reporters after a news conference in New York, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani and his dog, celebrated their eighth World Series championship with a downtown parade and a raucous on-field party on Friday.

“This is so special,” said Ohtani, who usually only speaks in his native Japanese but addressed a crowd of 42,458 at Dodger Stadium in English. “I'm so honored to be here. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thank you, guys.”

Fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto added in English, “Thank you, Dodger fans.”

Rapper Ice Cube kicked off the bash by performing “It Was a Good Day,” with manager Dave Roberts dancing and joining in on the lyrics from a blue circular stage in the middle of the field.

“You guys wanted a parade. We got a parade,” Roberts said. “Guys, let's get ready to run this back next year, too.”

Players exchanged hugs and back slaps on the stage as blue-and-white confetti drifted in the air and the team's signature song, “I Love LA,” blared. Their children played on the field, with Freddie Freeman's 8-year-old son, Charlie, leading some of them in jumping up on the lower retaining wall near the crowd.

Players took turns passing around the Commissioner's Trophy.

“Who else has more championships than us in the 2020s?” asked utilityman Kiké Hernández. “Absolutely nobody.”

Roberts introduced Freeman as someone who “ played with one leg and one rib,” in reference to the first baseman's injuries.

“I did everything I could to get on the field for you guys and I’m so glad I did because we got a championship now,” Freeman said. “I can't wait to run this back next year.”

Earlier, seven double-decker buses filled with players, their families and the coaching staff rolled through streets packed on both sides with blue-clad fans. The Los Angeles Police Department estimated the crowd to be 150,000.

“This is incredible,” said Freeman, the World Series MVP. “LA really showed out today.”

Several players smoked cigars and drank beer aboard the buses on the sun-splashed day.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever been part of,” pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. “I’ve never seen this many people in my life. They’re all Dodger fans.”

A shirtless Hernández hung over the front of his bus with a beer in his hand. Ohtani held his dog, Decoy, in his arms with his wife, Mamiko, nearby.

“I'm totally overwhelmed with the amount of fans who are here,” Ohtani said through an interpreter as the bus rolled along. “It’s been an incredible year. I’m so happy that I was able to contribute."

Asked if he would take his shirt off like Hernández, a smiling Ohtani shook his head and replied in English, “No, never.”

Walker Buehler, who pitched the ninth inning in the Series finale, did a beer bong while wearing Orel Hershiser's jersey from the team's 1988 World Series championship.

“This is crazy, man. I love this,” outfielder Teoscar Hernández said.

Fans cheered and waved to the players. The parade occurred on what would have been the 64th birthday of Fernando Valenzuela, the 1981 NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year winner who died days before the World Series began.

The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games, clinching the title with a 7-6 victory in the Bronx on Wednesday.

A portion of the proceeds from the ticketed stadium event will be donated to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.

There were more than a dozen arrests during informal celebrations after the team's comeback win to clinch the Series. Burglaries, vandalism and fires occurred in some parts of the city.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Fans cheer before the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts waves at fans during the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Fans cheer as buses carrying players are driven past during the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Alex Vesia yells in celebration during the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Fans cheer and hold signs before the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Los Angeles City Hall glows in Dodger Blue to celebrate the Dodgers' World Series Championship in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

The Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a team picture after their win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

A fan holds a replica trophy during the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Fans crowd the sidewalk as they wait for the start of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Fans crowd behind barricades waiting for the start of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball World Series championship parade Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)