Judge Sets Wednesday Hearing In Motion To Dismiss Case Against New York City Mayor Eric Adams

A federal judge scheduled a Wednesday hearing in the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams , ordering lawyers to address the reasons why the Justice Department asked to dismiss corruption charges and the 'scope and effect" of the mayor's consent.

Judge Dale E. Ho in Manhattan set the hearing in a written order Tuesday as his first response to the government's Friday request to dismiss the charges after a weeklong turmoil that led to resignations by several top prosecutors in Washington and New York who refused to seek dismissal.

He also cited legal history noting that a judge has independent obligations once the government has involved the judiciary by obtaining an indictment or a conviction. And he quoted from one judicial opinion that said a judge must be 'satisfied that the reasons advanced for the proposed dismissal are substantial" before approving a dismissal.

The hearing will occur as a growing number of former prosecutors call on Ho to conduct an inquiry that could put Washington's Justice Department leadership on the hot seat.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to charges that while in his prior role as Brooklyn borough president, he accepted over 100,000 in illegal campaign contributions and lavish travel perks from a Turkish official and business leaders seeking to buy his influence.