By Allan Lengel
One of the more controversial Justice Department cases in recent times is over—at least legally.
U.S. District Judge Dale Ho on Wednesday dismissed corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams with prejudice, meaning the DOJ cannot refile the charges in the future.
The Trump Justice Department had initially requested that the charges be dismissed without prejudice, which would have allowed them to be refiled later. Some speculated that the Trump administration wanted the charges to remain as leverage in case Adams did not comply with its demands.
Judge Ho delayed ruling on the DOJ’s controversial request and appointed outside counsel, Paul Clement, to review the case. Clement ultimately recommended that the case be dismissed with prejudice.
Several federal prosecutors resigned in protest and refused to sign the document requesting the case’s dismissal.
Adams has said he plans to run for re-election. However, the New York Times reports that he’s done little to mount a serious campaign.
