Former Aide to NYC Mayor Pleads Guilty in Donations Scandal
By JAKE OFFENHARTZ
NEW YORK (AP) — Mohamed Bahi, a former aide to Mayor Eric Adams, pleaded guilty Tuesday to soliciting illegal straw donations for Adams’ 2020 campaign. During a federal court appearance, Bahi, who served as a chief liaison to the Muslim community, admitted to helping gather contributions from employees of a Brooklyn construction firm, realizing they would be reimbursed.
This case was part of a broader federal investigation into corruption allegations against Adams, who faced charges for accepting bribes related to foreign campaign contributions. However, in February, the Justice Department intervened, dropping the charges against Adams, citing concerns over his role in federal immigration policies under President Trump. This decision was controversial, leading to protests and resignations from top prosecutors who claimed Adams had a quid pro quo agreement with Trump.
While Adams maintains his innocence and continues his re-election campaign, the investigations into his associates remain unresolved. Federal agents had previously seized phones from several of his close advisers. Bahi’s sentencing is set for November 17, where he faces a maximum of five years in prison.
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