Feds subpoena New York City Mayor Eric Adams, his lawyers say

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been subpoenaed by federal prosecutors who are conducting a public corruption investigation into him, relating to his administration and his successful 2021 campaign.

The existence of the subpoenas was confirmed late Thursday by WilmerHale, an outside law firm representing Adams. The timing of the subpoenas wasn't disclosed, although the firm said it had been recently.  

The subpoenas, by the United States Attorney's Office, reflect an escalation of an investigation that has included FBI raids of homes owned by multiple top aides and donors to Adams, as well as seizures of Adams' own electronic devices.

The particulars of the subpoenas — first reported earlier Thursday by The New York Times — were not disclosed, but the investigation has reportedly focused on free flight upgrades received by Adams, potentially illegal political contributions by people connected to the Turkish government, and a certificate of occupancy granted to a Turkish government building in Manhattan, at the request of Adams despite FDNY safety concerns.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan declined to comment.

Calling into GMGT Live’s “The Reset Talk Show,” Adams on Friday morning said there is “an active review of our 2021 campaign.”

“From the first time this happened, we've been extremely transparent about making sure if there are documents that's looked at, they're going to see text messages or any other items,” Adams said. “We're going to turn it over and walk away. I believe showing that I did nothing wrong.”

In a statement issued by WilmerHale, attorneys Brendan McGuire and Boyd Johnson wrote that the firm had done its own investigation of what the U.S. Attorney's Office is reportedly scrutinizing, and Adams' lawyers found no criminality by Adams.

"Over the past nine months, we have conducted our own investigation of the areas we understand the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been reviewing. Our investigation has included an evaluation of campaign documents, an analysis of tens of thousands of electronic communications, and witness interviews," the statement said. "To be clear, we have not identified any evidence of illegal conduct by the Mayor.

"To the contrary, we have identified extensive evidence undermining the reported theories of federal prosecution as to the Mayor, which we have voluntarily shared with the U.S. Attorney. We continue to cooperate with the investigation and are in the process of responding to the recently issued subpoenas. We continue to look forward to a prompt and just resolution of this investigation."

Adams’ deputy for communications, Fabien Levy, issued a statement that did not acknowledge the subpoenas and referred further inquiries to WilmerHale.

But, Levy said, “As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has been clear over the last nine months that he will cooperate with any investigation underway. Nothing has changed. He expects everyone to cooperate to swiftly bring this investigation to a close.”

In June, Adams' chief counsel at City Hall, Lisa Zornberg, reacting to news about a grand jury in the case, downplayed the development, calling it unremarkable in federal investigations, or as she referred to what is happening in the case, a review.

"In the federal system," Zornberg said, "subpoenas are served all the time during reviews."

Zornberg has said she's seen no indication that Adams is a target.

With Janon Fisher

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.