What’s Behind the Push for a Special Counsel in Mayor Adams Inquiry?

Person in suit with gavel and scales of justice

Amid the Justice Department’s shocking dismissal request, former Watergate prosecutor Nathaniel Akerman calls for a special counsel to investigate the case against Mayor Eric Adams.

Key Insights

Nathaniel Akerman, a former Watergate prosecutor, is urging a federal judge to appoint a special counsel in the case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
The Justice Department requested to drop charges against Mayor Adams, which Akerman argues is not in the public’s interest.
Akerman suggests investigating the Justice Department’s decision and possibly appointing an independent special prosecutor.
Several Justice Department officials have resigned over the case, citing concerns of political influence and allegations of a quid pro quo.
Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, has denied allegations of a quid pro quo deal with the Trump administration.

Akerman’s Call for Investigation

Nathaniel Akerman has urged a federal judge to reject the Justice Department’s request to drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The former Watergate prosecutor sent a formal letter to Judge Dale E. Ho, arguing that the Justice Department’s actions do not serve the public interest. Akerman believes the case necessitates a deeper investigation by an independent special prosecutor to ensure transparency and fairness in the proceedings, given the significant implications of the case.

Concerns have been raised about the Justice Department’s decision. Akerman suggests the court should investigate the circumstances surrounding the dismissal request and potentially appoint a special prosecutor. This proposal gains urgency considering multiple Justice Department officials have resigned, including interim Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and assistant U.S. attorney Hagan Scotten, while expressing concerns over alleged political influences.

Allegations Against Mayor Adams

Mayor Adams faces accusations of accepting illegal campaign contributions and perks from Turkish officials during his term as Brooklyn borough president. Justice Department officials Daniella Sassoon and Hagan Scotten, who both resigned, cited their opposition to dropping the charges against Adams, suggesting political influence and a potential quid pro quo involving immigration enforcement. Mayor Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, has categorically denied any such quid pro quo, calling it a “total lie.”

“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

A scenario has emerged where Akerman claims evidence shows a corrupt agreement between Mayor Adams and Trump’s administration. He suggests the dismissal of charges may be linked to Adams’ potential support for Trump’s immigration policies. Despite these claims, the debate continues, with Alex Spiro disputing the allegations altogether.

Impacts on the Justice Department

The case has led to significant turmoil within the Justice Department. Several officials expressed unease about the dropping of charges against Mayor Adams, citing fears of political influence and ethical concerns. Akerman’s letter to Judge Ho accuses the Justice Department of failing to act in the public interest, explicitly suggesting sanctions against the DOJ and Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove for alleged “improper and unethical demands” made on prosecutors involved in the case.

The developments in the Mayor Adams case underscore broader questions about the integrity of prosecutorial processes when major political figures are involved. The call for a special counsel could provide a crucial avenue for ensuring justice and impartiality, especially in cases with potential political ramifications.