Mohamed Bahi, a former aide to outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams who served as a liaison to the city’s Muslim communities, was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation, including one year of home confinement. Bahi had pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to a straw donor scheme that allowed Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign to receive larger contributions through the city’s public matching funds program.
Bahi, 41, was the only member of Adams’ administration to be convicted in the scheme, while charges against the mayor himself were dismissed earlier this year following intervention by the Trump Justice Department. The decision to drop Adams’ indictment prompted the resignation of several top prosecutors, including the interim U.S. attorney in Manhattan, who criticized the move as a political favor tied to the administration’s immigration priorities.
As Judge Dale Ho announced Bahi’s sentence, he addressed what he called the “elephant in the room,” highlighting the absence of Adams from accountability. “It is hard to escape the impression that Mr. Bahi, as his counsel put it, is left here holding the bag,” Ho remarked, highlighting the unusual circumstances of the case.
Prosecutors had urged the court to impose a prison sentence, emphasizing that Bahi deleted an encrypted messaging app from his phone after learning federal agents were outside his home. “We are not seeking a lengthy period of incarceration but a modest one is appropriate here,” stated federal prosecutor Robert Sobelman, urging the judge to focus on Bahi’s actions.
Bahi acknowledged his role in the scheme, telling the court that “I accept full responsibility for my actions,” and added that he aimed to rebuild trust while emphasizing the importance of electoral integrity.
Defense Attorney Derek Adams had sought a sentence of probation, describing Bahi’s involvement as limited and asserting that he did not orchestrate a grand scheme to benefit the mayor.
The case also involved Erden Arkan, a Brooklyn businessman who admitted to laundering straw donations and was sentenced to probation.
Bahi embraced supporters in the courtroom after learning he would avoid prison, expressing relief that he could spend the coming year at home with his family while continuing to work and attend religious services.
