Eric Adams' Staffer Fired Amid Federal Probe, Another Aide Resigns

Another Shakeup in Adams' Administration Amid Federal Probe

Mayor Eric Adams' administration is facing another round of departures as a federal investigation into the mayor's alleged financial improprieties continues.

Rana Abbasova, a longtime staffer who prosecutors say coordinated improper straw donations and luxury travel upgrades for Mayor Adams and his campaign, has been terminated. Abbasova had been on leave from her position while cooperating with Manhattan federal prosecutors as a key witness in their investigation. She previously worked as the Director of Protocol in the Mayor's Office for International Affairs.

Winnie Greco, the mayor's Director of Asian Affairs, has resigned from her role. Her home was previously raided by the FBI. Mohamed Bahi, who worked in the mayor's Community Affairs Unit, also resigned, though the reasons for their departures remain unclear.

These resignations and termination come as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul applies pressure to ensure city services continue functioning effectively.

The news of Abbasova's termination follows prosecutors turning over new evidence to Adams' defense attorneys. This evidence, known as "Brady material", could potentially discredit Abbasova and benefit Adams' case. Adams' defense team claims the evidence reveals Abbasova initially maintained the mayor was unaware of any crimes and subsequently changed her story.

The mayor's defense attorney, Alex Spiro, insists that the evidence proves Adams is innocent and accuses prosecutors of hiding this information.

Legal experts, however, suggest that the disclosure of this material is a routine procedure and that the timing of its release seems appropriate. They also point out that the indictment itself already casts doubt on Abbasova's credibility.

The investigation continues, and it remains to be seen what impact these recent developments will have on the case.