Ex-NYPD Chief Sues Mayor Adams, Cites Corruption

Former interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon has filed a federal civil racketeering (RICO) lawsuit against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and senior NYPD officials, alleging the department was run as a criminal enterprise to reward loyalists, conceal misconduct, and punish whistleblowers. Donlon claims the practices led to millions of dollars in unlawfully transferred public funds through salary increases, overtime, and pensions, and alleges forged documents were used to promote politically connected officers. The lawsuit accuses leadership of obstructing investigations, covering up sexual misconduct, and using the Internal Affairs Bureau to shield favored officers while retaliating against dissenters. Donlon is seeking a federal takeover of the NYPD and the appointment of an independent special monitor to address systemic corruption. Mayor Adams has strongly denied all allegations, attributing them to a disgruntled former employee, and notes similar lawsuits have recently been filed by other ex-officials alleging widespread cronyism and retaliation. No federal criminal charges have been filed in relation to these claims.