In a dramatic turn of events, seven top prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office resigned rather than comply with a directive from acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to dismiss the case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Bove instructed acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon and her team to drop the charges without prejudice, citing potential interference with the mayor's ability to govern. This development has sparked controversy and raised questions about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) motivations and the integrity of the legal proceedings.
Judge Dale Ho presided over a hearing in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, where he reserved judgment on whether to grant the motion to dismiss the case. The decision followed DOJ Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle's public critique of the legal theories employed by the prosecutors in indicting Adams. Mizelle also took to Twitter, posting a series of 20 tweets that analyzed the strength of the case and its likelihood of success on appeal.
"I am going to take everything you said under careful consideration," Judge Dale Ho assured both Bove and Adams' lawyer, Alex Spiro.
The controversy stems from a memo Bove wrote on February 10, directing Sassoon to dismiss the charges. In his communication, Bove argued that continuing the prosecution would interfere with New York's primary and mayoral elections.
"because of the appearances of impropriety and risks of interference," Bove stated.
He further noted that such a prosecution requires "thousands and thousands of man hours," which could be better utilized for arresting violent criminals and prosecuting gang members.
"The amount of resources it takes to bring a prosecution like this is incredible — thousands and thousands of man hours. Those resources could better be used arresting violent criminals to keep New York safe or prosecuting gang and cartel members," Mizelle echoed.
The DOJ and Mayor Adams face accusations of engaging in a quid pro quo, allegedly agreeing to drop the criminal case in exchange for Adams' cooperation with President Donald Trump's immigration policies. This claim gained traction when Adams permitted federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents access to Riker's Island following a meeting with Trump's border czar, Tom Homan.
Mizelle indicated that the prosecution had little chance of being upheld by appeals courts if Adams were found guilty, suggesting strategic reasons for the dismissal.
"The case against Mayor Adams was just one in a long history of past DOJ actions that represent grave errors of judgement," Mizelle commented.
Despite these defenses, the resignation of seven prosecutors highlights internal disagreements within the DOJ regarding the dismissal's ethical implications. Their departures underscore concerns over perceived political influences and potential misuse of prosecutorial discretion.
"Moreover, as I said during our recent meetings, this directive in no way calls into question the integrity and efforts of the line prosecutors responsible for the case, or your efforts in leading those prosecutors in connection with a matter you," Bove clarified in his memo.
Judge Ho acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the case but emphasized that prolonging proceedings served no one's interests.
"It's not in anyone's interest here for this to drag on, I understand that," Judge Ho remarked.
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