Audio By Carbonatix
A construction executive accused of making illegal contributions to indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams' campaign plans to plead guilty, court records showed on Monday, as the Democrat braces for an April trial during his re-election campaign.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said in a court filing that businessman Erden Arkan has indicated he wishes to admit to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in funneling "straw" donations, or contributions made in the name of someone other than the true donor, to Adams' successful 2021 mayoral campaign.
The guilty plea could bolster prosecutors' case, which is scheduled to go to trial starting April 21.
Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Adams, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Nicholas Biase, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, declined to comment.
Jonathan Rosen, a lawyer for Arkan, declined to comment.
Adams in September pleaded not guilty to charges he accepted more than $90,000 in discounted luxury hotel stays and flight upgrades from Turkish officials in exchange for pressuring city fire officials in 2021 to let Turkey open its new consulate in Manhattan despite safety concerns.
Adams was also accused of seeking and accepting illegal contributions from foreign nationals to his campaign.
Prosecutors had previously described Arkan as a prominent member of New York City's Turkish community who made straw donations to Adams at the request of a Turkish official.
President-elect Donald Trump last week said he would consider pardoning Adams after he takes office on Jan. 20. Trump, a Republican, suggested Adams was targeted for criticizing President Joe Biden's handling of migration, one of Trump's signature campaign issues.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana is rising again – Mahama declares
5 hours -
Firefighters subdue blaze at Accra’s Tudu, officials warn of busy fire season ahead
5 hours -
New Year’s Luv FM Family Party in the park ends in grand style at Rattray park
5 hours -
Mahama targets digital schools, universal healthcare, and food self-sufficiency in 2026
5 hours -
Ghana’s global image boosted by our world-acclaimed reset agenda – Mahama
6 hours -
Full text: Mahama’s New Year message to the nation
6 hours -
The foundation is laid; now we accelerate and expand in 2026 – Mahama
6 hours -
There is no NPP, CPP nor NDC Ghana, only one Ghana – Mahama
6 hours -
Eduwatch praises education financing gains but warns delays, teacher gaps could derail reforms
6 hours -
Kusaal Wikimedians take local language online in 14-day digital campaign
7 hours -
Stop interfering in each other’s roles – Bole-Bamboi MP appeals to traditional rulers for peace
7 hours -
Playback: President Mahama addresses the nation in New Year message
8 hours -
Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union call for strong work ethics, economic participation in 2026 new year message
10 hours -
Crossover Joy: Churches in Ghana welcome 2026 with fire and faith
10 hours -
Traffic chaos on Accra–Kumasi Highway leaves hundreds stranded as diversions gridlock
10 hours
