Context of the Case

The criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has gained renewed attention following the unsealing of documents that appear to challenge statements made during the Senate confirmation hearing of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Deputy Attorney General’s Testimony

During his Senate hearing, Blanche was queried about the Justice Department’s move to dismiss corruption charges against Adams. Democratic Senator Peter Welch inquired, “What I just saw with the dismissal of the Adams charge, that was directed by D.C., correct?” to which Blanche replied, “I have the same information you have. I don’t know beyond what I’ve [seen] publicly reported.”

Revelations from Unsealed Documents

A draft letter penned by former interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon has surfaced, suggesting that Blanche may have possessed more knowledge about the dismissal than he disclosed. Sassoon expressed concern over the decision to drop such a high-profile case without waiting for Blanche’s confirmation. She noted that a top DOJ official, Emil Bove, indicated that Blanche was “on the same page” regarding the handling of the case.

Sassoon ultimately resigned rather than comply with the order to dismiss the case against Adams, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Current Status

Judge Dale Ho is currently deliberating on whether the charges against Adams should ultimately be dismissed, following the unsealing of these documents. The Justice Department has maintained that Blanche did not play a role in the decision-making leading up to the dismissal, with a spokesperson stating, “Todd Blanche was not involved in the Department’s decision-making prior to his confirmation.”

Implications for the Mayor

In light of the newly unsealed information, Adams’ legal counsel has asserted that the case should be dismissed. Alex Spiro, the mayor’s attorney, commented, “As I’ve said from the beginning, this bogus case that needed ‘gymnastics’ to find a crime was based on ‘political motive’ and ‘ambition’, not facts or law. The more we learn about what was really going on behind the scenes, the clearer it is that Mayor Adams should have never been prosecuted in the first place.”