It is "feasible" that New York City Mayor Eric Adams could face additional charges, and the inclusion of supplementary defendants is "probable," prosecutors indicated during a court hearing on Wednesday, a week after a wide-ranging indictment encompassing five counts was unsealed against the beleaguered politician .

"We are proceeding expeditiously," the prosecutor, Hagan Scotten, remarked. "We believe that such an outcome is quite probable."

Adams has entered a plea of not guilty to accusations alleging his involvement in an extended conspiracy to solicit and accept illegal foreign contributions.

The probe into Adams commenced in the summer of 2021, "prior to the defendant even assuming the mayoral office," Scotten stated, disclosing a previously unknown timeframe.

The investigation uncovered text messages, emails, and records from Turkish Airlines that Scotten stated indicate the mayor attempted to "fabricate the appearance" of properly paying for certain flights when, in actuality, he had not.

"It's a bribe and it's against the law," Scotten said.

Prosecutors indicated that several individuals who took part in the alleged misconduct alongside Adams and those who made illegal contributions are expected to provide testimony.

Prosecutors also asserted that they possess evidence suggesting Adams endeavored to influence witnesses.

According to Scotten, after a witness was contacted by the FBI during the investigation, that individual was given "a clear message from the defendant that they should not disclose the truth to the FBI."

While the witness's identity was not revealed, Scotten referred to the incident as a "significant instance of witness interference in this case."

Adams gave a friendly pat on the shoulder to a woman he seemed to recognize as he approached the defense table for his initial appearance before the judge overseeing his federal bribery prosecution.

The mayor's legal representative has requested that the court dismiss the bribery charge and, separately, impose sanctions on the prosecution for alleged leaks. The defense team urged the court to expedite the process.

"We do not desire this case to be prolonged," stated defense attorney Alex Spiro.

Spiro stated that Adams' trial should commence and conclude in March to allow him sufficient time to secure a place on the ballot for re-election. Adams, who was elected in 2021, is seeking re-election in 2025.

"Our priority is to bring this case to trial," Spiro emphasized. "The current mayor of New York has been formally charged."

Spiro expressed confidence that the bribery charge would be dismissed and Adams acquitted.

"We want this case to be done with in March," Spiro said.

Judge Dale Ho acknowledged the public and the mayor's strong interest in a swift trial but declined to set a trial date immediately. Prosecutors proposed a trial commencement date in May.

The prosecution team anticipates a trial duration of approximately four weeks, while the defense expects a significantly shorter trial.

Ho instructed prosecutors to submit their responses to the defense motions by October 18th, with oral arguments scheduled for October 31st.

Adams, a Democrat and former law enforcement officer, has stated his intention to contest the accusations, which he recently labeled "entirely false." He has no plans to step down from his position as leader of the nation's largest city.