Former aide to Mayor Eric Adams, Mohamed Bahi, shed tears on Tuesday as he managed to avoid jail time after being involved in a fraudulent donation scheme targeting taxpayers.
“I’m satisfied and really glad it’s all over,” Bahi, who once served as a liaison to the Muslim community, expressed as he left federal court in Manhattan.
Bahi, age 41 and a father of two, had confessed to felony conspiracy to commit wire fraud earlier and was handed a sentence of three years’ probation, which includes a year under house arrest.
Despite the restrictions, he’s permitted to leave his home for work, volunteer opportunities, or to attend religious services.
Initially, Bahi faced about six months in prison for falsely reporting contributions to increase public matching funds for Adams’ campaign.
Judge Dale Ho acknowledged Bahi’s long-standing service to the Muslim community, seeing it as a factor in his decision to avoid jail time.
“I can’t help but be impressed by the extent of your work,” Ho remarked.
The judge pointed out that Adams still looms large in this case. “Mr. Bahi is part of a larger picture, and the top figure is noticeably absent,” he said, referring to Mr. Hizner, whose related charges were dismissed by President Trump in March.
Bahi’s emotional plea to the judge appeared to influence the leniency of his sentence.
“I chose public service to help people… My mistakes have overshadowed much of that effort,” he told a courtroom filled with supporters, visibly emotional.
“It feels wrong for him to leave court today as a convicted felon,” Bahi added.
He took a plea deal in August linked to a significant corruption case, which was later dismissed, effectively concluding Adams’ time as mayor.
