From City Hall to Jail: 8 Scandal-Plagued US Mayors

New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, was recently indicted on five federal charges, marking a notable moment in the history of the city’s leadership. He faces allegations related to conspiracy, wire fraud, federal program bribery, and accepting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, among other counts. Adams pled not guilty to these charges.

Legal expert Tillipman stated that the indictment is significant, as it stems from an experienced anti-corruption office within the U.S. government. He also pointed out that Adams’ decision to remain in office reflects a shift in political norms, where previously, politicians often resigned in the face of such scandals.

While Adams stands out as the first sitting mayor of NYC to be indicted, other mayors across the U.S. have encountered similar legal troubles. Tillipman remarked on the allure of power and the risks taken by elected officials that often lead to corruption.

Sheila Dixon

Sheila Dixon became Baltimore’s first female mayor in 2007, but her leadership was shadowed by scandal. In 2009, she was indicted on multiple counts including perjury and theft, accused of misusing gift cards meant for needy families. Ultimately, she was convicted of embezzlement and given four years of probation, alongside community service requirements.

Ray Nagin

Elected as mayor of New Orleans in 2002, Ray Nagin oversaw the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. However, an indictment in 2013 led to his conviction on 20 counts of corruption, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence.

Patrick Cannon

Patrick Cannon’s term as Charlotte’s mayor began in 2013 but ended abruptly due to his arrest on corruption charges just months into office. He resigned and later pled guilty to wire fraud, receiving a 44-month prison sentence.

Bill Campbell

Former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell was indicted in 2004 after leaving office due to charges of racketeering and tax fraud. While acquitted of some charges, he faced conviction on tax evasion and was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Kwame Kilpatrick

Kwame Kilpatrick made history as Detroit’s youngest mayor but faced legal challenges that led to his 2013 sentencing of 23 years in prison for corruption, before a commutation in 2021.

Tony Mack

Elected in 2010, Trenton’s mayor Tony Mack was indicted for conspiracy and bribery in 2012, ultimately serving nearly five years in federal prison.

Larry Langford

After being elected in Birmingham in 2007, Larry Langford faced a 101-count indictment in 2008, culminating in a conviction and a 15-year prison sentence for bribery and fraud.

Buddy Cianci

Longest-serving mayor of Providence, Buddy Cianci’s career was marred by multiple indictments, leading to a five-year prison sentence for racketeering. He tried to make a political comeback but fell short before his death in 2016.