A construction executive accused of orchestrating illegal campaign contributions to New York City Mayor Eric Adams' 2021 campaign intends to plead guilty, according to court records revealed
on Monday. The development comes as Mayor Adams, a Democrat, prepares for an April trial during his re-election campaign.
In a court filing, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan stated that Erden Arkan plans to admit guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Arkan’s charge stems from his involvement in organizing "straw" donations—contributions made under the names of individuals other than the actual donor—to Adams’ campaign.
Alex Spiro, an attorney representing Mayor Adams, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Mayor Adams has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including one count of bribery, two counts of soliciting campaign contributions from a foreign national, and two wire fraud-related charges. Photo by Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York, Wikimedia commons.
