By: Hal C Clarke

In a fiery legal filing covered exclusively by the New York Post, Mayor Eric Adams’ defense team has accused federal prosecutors of lacking the evidence needed to bring a second indictment against the embattled mayor. The bold assertion comes months after prosecutors suggested additional charges were imminent.

“[T]he incriminating evidence the government hoped to obtain does not exist,” declared high-profile defense attorney Alex Spiro in a Monday morning filing, as reported by the Post.

Spiro, who also represents Jay-Z in a separate high-stakes lawsuit, claimed that none of the discovery materials provided by prosecutors contain incriminating evidence. He further asserted that testimony from more than two dozen witnesses clears Mayor Adams of wrongdoing. However, Spiro noted that the defense team still lacks access to certain witness statements, which the government is allegedly withholding until the trial date approaches in April.

Adams has been under intense scrutiny since his indictment in September. Prosecutors accused the mayor of accepting bribes in the form of free or deeply discounted luxury travel in exchange for political favors. The alleged scheme reportedly involved obscuring the true origins of substantial campaign contributions. Despite these allegations, Adams has maintained his innocence, categorically denying any involvement in corrupt practices.

In the wake of the initial indictment, lead prosecutor Hagan Scotten signaled the likelihood of a “superseding indictment” and assured the court that federal investigators were “moving quickly.” Yet, as highlighted by the Post, no additional charges have been filed, casting doubt on the strength of the government’s case.

The Post also detailed the growing tensions between Adams’ legal team and prosecutors from the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Both sides have accused each other of trying to sway public opinion through court filings and press statements.

Last week, Acting US Attorney Edward Kim criticized Spiro for making public claims that the case against Adams “isn’t real” and for attacking a key witness, Rana Abbasova. “Rather than test those allegations in a court of law, defense counsel has instead chosen to litigate this case in press statements, where he can simply pretend certain facts do not exist,” Kim wrote, as quoted by the Post.

Spiro countered in his Monday filing, labeling the prosecutor’s letter as a “government press release” designed to bypass trial rules. He called the allegations against Adams “baseless” and accused the government of engaging in overreach.

Adding to the drama, the Post revealed that federal agents searched Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence, on the same morning Adams turned himself in to face the original charges.

With the trial date set for April 21, Adams has pushed to expedite proceedings to free up time for his reelection campaign ahead of the June Democratic primary. The legal and political stakes continue to rise as the mayor fights to clear his name while securing his political future.

As this high-profile case unfolds, the New York Post remains at the forefront, delivering exclusive insights into the contentious battle between Mayor Adams and federal prosecutors.