NYC Mayor Eric Adams wants trial date earlier so he can focus on his re-election campaign

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams is trying to move up the start of his trial on corruption and bribery charges so he can focus on his re-election campaign this spring.

In a letter sent to a federal judge Monday, Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, requested that the trial begin April 1. instead of the currently planned date of April 23.

“An earlier trial date will ensure that Mayor Adams’ speedy trial rights are protected, that the Mayor can fully participate in his re-election campaign, and that the voters of this city will not be distracted by this misguided indictment as they hear and weigh in. Spiro said, “The merits of the Democratic Mayoral candidates about,” he wrote.

Adams, a Democrat, was indicted in September on charges that he accepted illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official seeking luxury travel perks and political favors. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and insisted he will remain in office while he fights the case.

He is expected to face a contentious Democratic primary in June; Many rivals have already expressed interest in challenging him.

Inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan were not responded to.

At a hearing earlier this month, prosecutors said they would be ready for trial when scheduled, but noted they were still working through a trove of seized records and had not yet accessed Adams’ personal cellphone. According to his claim. Adams changed his password just before handing the phone over to the authorities, then claimed he had forgotten it.

In Monday’s letter, Spiro said he would waive access to some discovery materials if it meant expediting the trial. He predicted that under the current schedule, a decision would come in late May that would give the mayor only a short period of time to clear his name with voters.

“Given the news and the realities of the election cycle, this early hearing date is both possible and necessary here,” Spiro wrote.

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