Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has reportedly been indicted in a federal corruption investigation, making him the first sitting NYC mayor to face such charges. The indictment, which is still under seal, follows nearly a year of scrutiny surrounding Adams’ administration. Once unsealed, the nature of the charges will be revealed.

“I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target—and a target I became,” Adams said in a statement. “If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.”

The investigation originally focused on allegations that Adams conspired with the Turkish government to illegally funnel foreign contributions into his campaign in exchange for favorable actions as mayor. There were also inquiries into whether he received free flight upgrades from a Turkish government-owned airline.

According to The New York Times, the scope of the investigation expanded when prosecutors subpoenaed City Hall, Adams, and his campaign two months ago, seeking additional information related to dealings with countries such as China, Qatar, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Israel.

Reports suggest that the U.S. Attorney Damian Williams will announce the charges tomorrow once the indictment is made public. Sources indicate that Adams is expected to turn himself in early next week.

“I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,” said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). “The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening the government. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign.”

Several of Adams’ close associates have already come under criminal investigation over the past year. This includes FBI raids on the home of Philip Banks, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, and a residence shared by First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Schools Chancellor David Banks. Investigators also seized phones from former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Timothy Pearson, a senior advisor to the mayor. A consultant, Terence Banks, brother of Philip and David Banks, was also searched.

 

Earlier this year, the FBI raided the home of Winnie Greco, Adams’ director of Asian Affairs, as part of an investigation by the Eastern District of New York. Additionally, Adams’ former buildings commissioner, Eric Ulrich, faces bribery charges, and several campaign donors have been charged in a straw-donor scheme.

Caban recently resigned from his position, and his interim successor, Commissioner Thomas Donlon, was raided by the FBI last week.