Judge dismisses lawsuit from ex-NYPD commissioner alleging ‘systemic corruption’
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A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former interim New York City police commissioner who accused the police department under former Mayor Eric Adams and his top deputies of “systemic corruption” and claimed the agency operated as a “criminal enterprise.”
Thomas Donlon, a longtime FBI official appointed by Adams to stabilize the scandal-marred police department, filed the racketeering case in July.
But Donlon said he witnessed “systematic corruption and criminal behavior” by Adams and his allies who exaggerated overtime, obstructed internal investigations and disciplined whistleblowers.
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Thomas Donlon, a former New York City police commissioner, said he witnessed “systematic corruption and criminal behavior” enabled by former Mayor Eric Adams and his allies. (Mayoral Photography Office via Michael Appleton/AP)
Judge Denise Cote ruled Wednesday that the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity because the lawsuit did not describe the defendants as acting with a “common purpose.”
A spokesperson for the city’s Law Department told The Associated Press that they were “pleased that the court recognized that there is no legal basis for this case to proceed.”
Donlon’s lawyer, John Scola, told the press that his client had already appealed the decision.
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The police department was accused of operating as a “criminal organization.” (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Associated Press)
“Mr. Donlon faced corruption at the highest levels of the NYPD and was fired for refusing to participate in illegal behavior,” Scola said. “We are confident that the Second Circuit will allow his arguments to stand.”
Donlon was tapped by Adams following the resignation of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban in September 2024. Caban’s phone was seized by federal authorities as part of a criminal corruption investigation into the then-mayor and his administration.
He served as interim commissioner for about two months and was later replaced by Jessica Tisch, who served as commissioner under the city’s current mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Judge Denise Cote ruled that the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity. (Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
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Donlon’s case was just one of several complaints brought by senior police officers who alleged a culture of widespread corruption and nepotism within the force during Adams’ time as mayor.
Federal prosecutors also recently filed several bribery cases against former police officers who served under Adams.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
