Adams raises $725,000 for legal defense — Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg offers up to $5,000 in funding

metro

by Anita Borle, nolan hix, alex oliveira and craig mccarthy

Mayor Eric Adams has raised nearly $550,000 in legal funds over an investigation into his 2021 campaign. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg donated $5,000 to support his embattled successor.

Mr. Hizuner has raised at least $725,000 since setting up the legal fund in November, said Vito Pitta, Mr. Adams’ longtime election compliance lawyer.

“The Eric Adams Legal Defense Trust has garnered strong support in a short period of time,” Pitta told the Post on Monday.

Pitta said about $650,000 had been raised by Dec. 31, and another $75,000 has since flowed into the fund.

Mr. Adams lost control of the fund after the FBI searched the home of his top fundraiser Brianna Suggs in November and it became clear that federal authorities were investigating his 2021 mayoral campaign. was established.

Investigators are reportedly investigating whether the Turkish government illegally funneled money to Adams’ campaign and whether he offered any favors in return.

Mr. Hizner had his electronic devices confiscated after the FBI raid, but he has not been charged with any wrongdoing at this point in the investigation.

At least 228 people have donated to Adams’ defense fund, with nearly half of them, 107, giving the maximum amount of $5,000 since November.

In addition to Bloomberg, other biggest donors include construction magnate David Mack, who sits on the MTA board, and Adams’ former chief of staff, Frank Carone.

Three other members of Carone’s family each donated $5,000, bringing the family’s contribution to $20,000.

State Rep. Jennifer Lakjumar, who represents Queens, donated $2,500.

Meanwhile, records show Mr. Adams donated only $120.