Manhattan Prosecutor Resigns Amid Controversial Order to Dismiss Corruption Case Against Mayor Eric Adams

Danielle Sassoon resigned after refusing to comply with the Justice Department's directive to dismiss a bribery case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who faces allegations involving gifts from Turkish citizens. The case and Sassoon's departure reflect political complexities in the current administration.

The top prosecutor in Manhattan has resigned less than a week after the U.S. Department of Justice directed her office to dismiss a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Danielle Sassoon, a Republican attorney with previous ties to Donald Trump, expressed her concerns that dropping the case would establish a “breathtaking and dangerous precedent.” Mayor Adams has been accused of receiving over $100,000 in gifts from Turkish nationals in exchange for favors, which include exempting the Turkish consulate from certain safety regulations, allegations he strongly denies.

On a recent Monday, officials from the Department of Justice indicated that continuing the case could impede Mayor Adams’s ability to tackle issues such as illegal immigration and rising crime in New York City. Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general, issued a statement not addressing the case's specifics while revealing that charges might be reinstated post the mayoral election in November.

In her resignation letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Sassoon explained her decision not to drop the case, asserting the legality and her conviction in the allegations against Adams. She emphasized her professional responsibility to enforce the law impartially, indicating that political motivations should not influence legal processes.

In response to Sassoon's refusal, Bove confirmed her resignation and criticized her for attempting to pursue what he claimed was a politically charged prosecution against express instructions to dismiss the case. Furthermore, it was disclosed that other team members involved in the Adams case would face internal scrutiny, hinting at a broader investigation involving Sassoon.

Days prior to her resignation, Adams met with Trump in Florida, which raised eyebrows concerning the intertwining of politics and justice. Trump, addressing the matter with the press, claimed he did not inquire about the corruption case during their discussions, despite Bove indicating an order consistent with the newly elected president's policies.

Adams's connections to Trump's administration took center stage, especially after a meeting with Tom Homan, a key figure in Trump's immigration policy. Following that meeting, Adams indicated a willingness to collaborate with federal immigration agencies, a statement aimed at fostering cooperative relations rather than contention.

The indictment against Adams, filed in September 2024, includes serious charges of wire fraud, bribery, and receiving illegal campaign contributions from foreign entities. Documented in a comprehensive indictment, the accusations detail gifts such as extravagant hotel stays and meals from Turkish individuals dating back to Adams’s tenure as Brooklyn’s borough president.

The unfolding events surrounding the case not only pose significant ramifications for Adams's political career but also bring to light the intricate dynamics within the justice system amidst a contentious political climate.