NYC Mayor Adams pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges and other counts

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Friday pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges and other counts in connection with allegedly having illegally accepted gifts as part a political influence effort by foreign entities.

Adams, a Democrat, entered the plea in a Manhattan court the day after being formally indicted of charges of alleging having accepted overseas travel and illegal campaign donations from people looking to buy his influence in city government, according to the Associated Press. 

The exchange allegedly went on for years and included a relationship with people tied to Turkey, who funded the mayor's travel and fueled his run for mayor with donations that helped him qualify for over $10 million in public campaign funds. People who aren’t U.S. citizens are banned by law from donating to U.S. political candidates, the wire service also reports.