In a significant development within the U.S. legal system, Assistant United States Attorney Hagan Scotten has tendered his resignation following the Department of Justice’s directive to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This move has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process.
Background of the Case
In September 2024, Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery, alleging illicit dealings with Turkish officials. The case, spearheaded by Scotten, aimed to address serious allegations of corruption at the highest municipal level.
Department of Justice Intervention
In February 2025, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove instructed the interim U.S. Attorney, Danielle Sassoon, to dismiss the charges against Mayor Adams without prejudice. Sassoon, expressing concerns over the political motivations behind this directive, resigned on February 13, 2025. Following her departure, Scotten also chose to step down, stating that it would take a “fool” or a “coward” to dismiss the charges against Mayor Adams.
Scotten’s Resignation and Its Implications
Scotten’s resignation marks the seventh within the prosecutorial team handling the Adams case, highlighting internal dissent and concerns over potential political interference in judicial matters. Legal experts, including those from New York Law School, have noted the rarity and gravity of such a series of resignations, emphasizing the potential impact on public trust in the justice system.
Profile of Hagan Scotten
Hagan Scotten, a Long Island native, boasts a distinguished career. He served nine years in the U.S. Army, including three combat tours in Iraq as a captain in the Special Forces, earning two Bronze Star Medals. After his military service, he graduated from Harvard Law School in 2010, where he was recognized as valedictorian and contributed to the Harvard Law Review. Scotten’s legal career includes clerking for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and serving as an associate at Hogan Lovells before his tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Broader Repercussions
The resignations of Scotten and his colleagues have ignited discussions about the potential politicization of the Department of Justice and its effects on high-profile corruption cases. Observers and legal analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as it may set a precedent for future interactions between political figures and judicial processes. As this story continues to unfold, it underscores the delicate balance between justice and politics, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of legal institutions in the face of external pressures.