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Feb 14, 2025 Justice Department requested dismissal of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams after seven prosecutors resigned in protest Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The dismissal, sought for reasons unrelated to the strength of evidence, raised concerns about political interference in prosecutorial decisions.
Independently corroborated by8 independent news desks
The New York Times · Associated Press · NBC News · ABC News · NPR · PBS · BBC · CBS News
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Prosecutors request dismissal of Eric Adams charges — Under pressure from the Justice Department leadership, prosecutors in Washington filed a request to dismiss the criminal corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The charges included bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. This decision followed the resignation of seven prosecutors, including the acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York, who opposed the dismissal for political reasons. The Justice Department argued that the case impeded Adams' cooperation with immigration enforcement, despite not being based on the strength of the evidence.
- Six prosecutors resign in protest over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — On February 13, 2025, six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors had previously indicted Adams on multiple counts, including bribery and campaign finance offenses, and expressed concerns that the dismissal was politically motivated.
- Six prosecutors resign over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — Six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors argued that the dismissal was politically motivated and undermined the rule of law, as Adams had been indicted on serious charges including bribery and campaign finance offenses.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 4 – 2025-02-08–2025-02-14
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Feb 12, 2025 Danielle Sassoon and Hagan Scotten resigned as federal prosecutors after refusing DOJ leadership's demand to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Career prosecutors' resignations exposed political pressure to protect an ally from prosecution regardless of evidence.
Independently corroborated by8 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Interim US Attorney resigns over corruption case — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney handling the NYC Mayor Eric Adams' public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop charges despite pressure from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon's resignation follows a letter to AG Pam Bondi detailing alleged unethical proposals from Adams' attorneys. Other senior US Attorneys also resigned in protest, highlighting concerns over political interference.
- US Attorney resigns over refusal to drop charges — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney in charge of the NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop the charges despite demands from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, outlining an alleged quid pro quo proposal from Adams' attorneys. Following Sassoon's resignation, senior US Attorneys in New York also refused to dismiss the case and resigned in protest. Bove, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, is involved in the case.
- DOJ pressures Public Integrity Section lawyers — DOJ leadership reportedly pressured Public Integrity Section lawyers to decide within an hour who would dismiss the indictment against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, threatening to fire all if none complied. This move has sparked resignations and widespread dismay within the legal community, reminiscent of the 1973 Saturday Night Massacre.
- Memo issued to dismiss Adams case for political reasons — A memo was issued stating that the criminal case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams was dismissed for political reasons, citing that the case restricted his ability to assist in deportation efforts. The memo admitted the decision was not based on evidence or law, raising ethical concerns about the DOJ's actions.
- Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigns over DOJ pressure — Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigned after refusing to dismiss a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Scotten's resignation letter criticized the use of prosecutorial power to influence elected officials, stating that he would not comply with such directives. His resignation follows that of co-counsel Danielle Sassoon, highlighting internal DOJ tensions over the case.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 4 – 2025-02-08–2025-02-14
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Feb 5, 2025 Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a Weaponization Working Group to review prosecutions of Trump and investigate alleged prosecutorial abuse tied to Jan. 6 investigations Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The new DOJ unit signaled intent to challenge past accountability efforts, raising concerns about politicized law enforcement.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
The New York Times · ABC News · PBS · NBC News · Fortune
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Bondi launches Weaponization Working Group — Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a "Weaponization Working Group" to review prosecutions of Trump and investigate alleged prosecutorial abuse related to Jan. 6 investigations. This group aims to challenge legal actions against Trump and his allies.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 4 – 2025-02-08–2025-02-14
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