Erden Arkan was sentenced to a year of probation for participating in a straw donor scheme that aided Eric Adams in his 2021 mayoral campaign. This stemmed from a partnership with a Turkish official, which led to illegal contributions. Judge Dale Ho emphasized Arkan's clean record and age during sentencing, opting for probation over imprisonment, which could have been up to six months. Additionally, Arkan is responsible for a fine and restitution payments. The government had previously dismissed charges against Adams, raising questions about the ongoing prosecution of Arkan's case.
In February, Justice Department leadership ordered Manhattan federal prosecutors to drop Adams' case, arguing that it was hindering the Democratic mayor's ability to assist the Republican administration's immigration crackdown.
Ho cited Arkan's age and otherwise clean record in imposing the sentence, telling the Turkish-born businessman that his immigrant success story 'exemplifies the American dream.'
Arkan faced up to six months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors and the federal probation officer agreed that no prison time was warranted.
Arkan pleaded guilty in January to a conspiracy charge in Manhattan federal court. Weeks later, President Donald Trump's Justice Department pressured prosecutors to drop their underlying case against Adams.
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