Ex-NYPD Chief Sues Adams Over Corruption Claims

Former interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon has filed a federal lawsuit accusing New York City Mayor Eric Adams and top police officials of running the NYPD and City Hall as a coordinated criminal enterprise and racketeering organization. Donlon alleges that during his brief 2024 tenure, he discovered systemic corruption, including the misuse of his commissioner stamp to legitimize fraudulent promotions that brought financial benefits to favored officers, and the promotion of politically connected officers over qualified candidates. He claims retaliation, including his removal and the false arrest of his wife, after he attempted to expose these issues. The lawsuit seeks both a federal takeover of the NYPD with a special monitor and personal compensation. City officials and Mayor Adams have denied the allegations, describing Donlon as a disgruntled former employee and emphasizing the department's recent crime reduction. The lawsuit comes amid several other high-profile claims of NYPD misconduct during Adams' administration.