Ex-NYPD Chief Sues Mayor Adams, Alleges “Criminal Enterprise”

Former interim commissioner claims widespread corruption protected by City Hall

A federal lawsuit filed by former interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon accuses New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other high-ranking police officials of operating a “criminal enterprise.” This marks the latest in a series of corruption allegations to hit the department and the mayor’s administration.

Systemic Corruption Alleged

Donlon, a former FBI senior executive, claims that top NYPD members fabricated promotions, retaliated against whistleblowers, and obstructed investigations, all with the mayor’s alleged protection. He seeks a federal monitor to oversee the department.

“Its core function was to shield loyalists and silence internal critics through a calculated regime of favoritism, retaliation, and concealment. Promotions and assignments were manipulated to reward obedience rather than merit. Misconduct was buried rather than addressed.”

—Thomas Donlon, in lawsuit filing

Donlon alleges he was sidelined and his authority stripped after attempting to raise these concerns, including directly with Mayor Adams. His tenure as interim commissioner lasted less than two months before he stepped down amid reports of a federal investigation into his handling of classified documents.

A Pattern of Allegations

This lawsuit follows four similar filings by other former high-ranking NYPD officials, including ex-Chief of Detectives James Essig. These officials claim they were pushed out after speaking against what they describe as unqualified individuals being placed in key units through favoritism.

Essig‘s suit, for example, details his complaint about unvetted transfers and promotions, which he alleges led to him being offered a demotion or resignation when Edward Caban took over as police commissioner. Other chiefs, like former Chief of Professional Standards Matthew Pontillo, also reportedly faced similar repercussions for raising concerns about practices like vehicle pursuits and the recording of excessive force incidents.

“Even in his relatively short tenure at NYPD, Mr. Donlon recognized what my long-tenured clients complained of: rampant, unchecked, dangerous and costly corruption run by Mayor Adams and his cronies. I applaud Mr. Donlon for coming forward with these details, which will surely lead to vindication for him, and many others who suffered as victims of Mayor Adams’ corruption.”

—Sarena Townsend, Attorney for the chiefs

Mayor Adams’ Defense

City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus dismissed Donlon‘s lawsuit as “baseless accusations from a disgruntled former employee” who was “ineffective.” She stated the suit is an attempt to seek compensation after Donlon was “rightfully removed from the role of interim police commissioner.” The NYPD deferred to the City Hall statement when reached for comment.

Mayor Adams is currently running for re-election as an independent candidate. This lawsuit adds to the challenges he faces, following earlier dismissed federal corruption charges. In April, a judge dismissed charges of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and soliciting foreign campaign contributions, a ruling that followed reports suggesting cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement in exchange for political leniency, claims Adams has denied.

The scale of corruption in law enforcement remains a significant concern. In 2023, for instance, the FBI investigated over 1,000 public corruption cases across the United States, highlighting the ongoing battle against misconduct in public office (FBI, 2023).