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New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including wire fraud and bribery, related to allegations that he accepted illegal foreign donations and lavish trips in exchange for political favors

Let’s bring you up to speed: In a 57-page indictment unsealed by federal prosecutors, Mayor Adams is accused of accepting improper benefits from wealthy foreign individuals, including luxury travel and campaign contributions, in exchange for political favors. Adams is also accused of actively soliciting illegal donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign, exploiting New York City’s small-dollar donation matching program to fraudulently secure over $10 million in public funds. After becoming mayor, he allegedly continued planning for additional illegal contributions and granted favors to supporters who provided these donations.

What happened today: At his court appearance, Mayor Eric Adams entered the Manhattan federal courthouse without handcuffs, accompanied by members of his security detail. When asked how he wished to plead, Adams responded, “I am not guilty, your honor.” The arraignment lasted just over 15 minutes, after which Adams proceeded to the clerk’s office to arrange his bond. Prosecutors agreed to his release on the condition that he refrain from contacting any witnesses or individuals named in the indictment.

What Adam’s lawyer is saying: Following the hearing, Mayor Eric Adams’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, said, “This case isn’t even a real case. It’s the other government we should be disappointed in, bringing this case against the city mayor.” Specifically referencing claims by the DOJ that Adams received luxury travel from Turkey, Spiro said, “You know what they didn’t really explain to all of you? Those were upgrades. Those were upgrades on airlines with open seats. That’s what airlines do. They do it every day. They do it for VIPs. They do it for congresspeople. They’re empty seats. It costs the airlines nothing.”

If convicted on the most serious charges, Mayor Eric Adams could face up to 20 years in federal prison.