Evidence that a key witness in the criminal case against Mayor Eric Adams lied has been disclosed by federal prosecutors, according to his defense attorney.

Spiro accused federal prosecutors of withholding “Brady material,” which is evidence that could be beneficial to the defense, and claimed that the material proves Adams’ innocence. The witness in question, Rana Abbasova, a former staffer for Adams, has been described as central to the allegations against him, involving illegal donations and travel perks. Following the federal raid of her home and her subsequent firing from her position, Abbasova’s credibility has been a focal point of Adams’ defense strategy. This situation reflects the broader turmoil within Adams’ administration, where multiple officials have resigned or been implicated in ongoing federal probes.

Key Developments

• Brady Material Disclosure: The evidence released by the feds, which remains under protective seal, was disclosed after Spiro’s persistent requests. He suggested that this material undermines the credibility of the prosecution’s case against Adams.

• Witness Credibility: Spiro has publicly challenged the reliability of Abbasova, claiming she lied about Adams’ knowledge of any wrongdoing. This defense strategy aims to weaken the prosecution’s case, which heavily relies on her testimony.

• Administrative Fallout: The Adams administration has faced significant upheaval, with multiple resignations, including that of Deputy Mayor Phil Banks and Abbasova herself. This exodus is occurring amid increasing scrutiny and federal investigations into the administration’s conduct.

• Implications for the Case: The developments surrounding Abbasova and the newly disclosed evidence could have significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings against Mayor Adams, potentially affecting both public perception and the outcome of the case.