On Friday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams entered a not guilty plea in federal court concerning five corruption charges related to accepting bribes and campaign donations from foreign sources.

“I maintain my innocence, your honor,” explained 64-year-old Adams to U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker when she inquired about his plea.

His attorney, Alex Spiro, stated he plans to file a motion to dismiss these charges in the upcoming week. Adams is scheduled to return to court on October 2.

Adams was allowed to remain free without bail, provided he does not interact with witnesses or individuals specified in the indictment. Judge Parker noted exceptions would be permitted for family and staff members, but he must avoid discussing the indictment details with them.

Adams, who has faced numerous investigations during his time in office, has rejected any allegations of misconduct and pledged to contest the charges legally.

“I will keep performing my duties as mayor,” Adams informed reporters the day before the indictment was made public.

He faces five charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bribery, and two charges of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals.

A grand jury charged Adams on Tuesday, with the details of the indictment being released on Thursday. Federal authorities allege that Turkish diplomats and business figures illegally provided funds for Adams’ campaign and gifted him various lavish travel benefits, including stays at luxury hotels and fine dining experiences.

The indictment claims that Adams illegally siphoned $10 million from the city’s public campaign finance scheme and accepted $100,000 worth of complimentary travel to various countries, including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey.

In return for these benefits, Adams allegedly pressured city officials back in 2021 to allow the opening of Turkey’s new 36-story consulate despite concerns over safety, according to prosecutors.

The alleged misconduct traces back to 2014 when Adams became the president of Brooklyn, with authorities stating the illegal contributions helped fund his 2021 mayoral campaign.

“As Adams gained more power and notoriety, his overseas supporters sought to exploit their corrupt ties with him,” the indictment remarked. “Adams reciprocated by providing favorable treatment in exchange for the illicit gains he received.”

Adams, who previously served as a police officer and rose to the rank of captain, is the first sitting mayor in New York City’s history to face federal charges while in office.

Additionally, New York Police Commissioner Eric Caban resigned on September 12, following the seizure of his phone by FBI agents. Shortly thereafter, Adams’ chief legal adviser, Lisa Zornberg, also stepped down.