Mayor Eric Adams’ legal team is trying to get his public corruption case tossed by claiming a former top federal prosecutor is violating courtroom ethics laws by publicly smearing Hizzoner for political gain.
Ex-U.S. Attorney Damian Williams — who resigned last month ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration — “effectively announced his intent to challenge Mayor Adams in the political arena” by authoring an op-ed that appeared Thursday in City & State, portraying Gotham in “deep crisis and “being led with a broken ethical compass,” wrote Adams lawyer Alex Spiro in a letter Manhattan federal Judge Dale E. Ho.
Spiro also noted Williams created a website last month to promote himself, which include links to media articles that “disparage Adams.”
The letter – which was first seen by The Post Saturday before being delivered to the judge – alleges Williams is violating federal courtroom ethics laws by “engaging in extrajudicial commentary that would interfere with a fair trial.”
It also alleges Williams is violating New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which “similarly restrict” publicity in ongoing criminal trials by lawyers who’ve participated in a case, even if they no longer are involved.
“Mr. Williams brought a meritless case against a political rival to bolster his own immediate candidacy for office, potentially including Mayor of New York City,” Spiro contented in his four-page letter.
“Not only is this conduct highly unethical, but it confirms this U.S. Attorney’s office’s strategy of prejudicing the jury pool and should be considered by the court when ruling” on a motion by Adams’ attorneys to dismiss the case.
“Mr. Williams’ ethical obligations did not disappear when he resigned as U.S. Attorney,” added Spiro.
The letter demands not only that the case be dismissed but that the U.S. Department of Justice open a probe into whether Adams’ prosecution “was brought for improper purposes” by Williams.
Williams has never publicly said he is eyeing a political run.
Both he and the U.S. Attorney’s Office did not immediately return messages Saturday.
Adams in September became the first sitting mayor in NYC’s history to be charged with federal crimes, indicted for allegedly taking bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources.
He pled not guilty, vowed to remain in office, and is scheduled to stand trial in April.
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