Four Former NYPD Chiefs Sue Mayor Adams Over Forced Ouster, Corruption Allegations

Four former high-ranking NYPD chiefs have filed lawsuits alleging that Mayor Eric Adams, former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, and other top officials forced them out of the department in retaliation for raising concerns about unqualified officers being promoted to sensitive positions, sometimes allegedly through bribery. James Essig, Matthew Pontillo, Joseph Veneziano, and Christopher McCormack claim that allies of Adams and Caban were placed into elite units without proper vetting, compromising investigations and department integrity. Essig specifically alleged that Caban was selling promotions for up to $15,000, a claim that Caban’s lawyers deny as baseless. The lawsuits also involve other figures such as former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and ex-Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, both of whom have been under federal investigations. These whistleblower complaints assert violations of civil service laws and seek damages for forced retirements. The allegations come amid broader scrutiny of Adams’ administration as he campaigns for reelection, with his office and the NYPD declining to comment on the lawsuits.