The conversations between DOJ and both the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the mayor's legal team were first reported by The New York Times. Adams is facing a five-count bribery case that he has characterized as political retribution from the Biden administration for his criticisms of the former president’s handling of immigration.

It's not unusual for a high-profile defendant to ask the Justice Department under a new administration to take a fresh look at a case.