Judge dismisses ex-NYPD commissioner’s lawsuit alleging ‘systemic corruption’ in police department

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by New York City’s former interim police commissioner that accused former mayor Eric Adams and his top deputies of running the NYPD as a “criminal enterprise.”

The racketeering lawsuit was filed in July by Thomas Donlon, a veteran FBI official who was appointed by Adams to stabilize the police department amid ongoing scandals. In his complaint, Donlon claimed he discovered “systemic corruption and criminal conduct” throughout the department that was allegedly enabled by Adams and his allies.

Judge Denise Cote ruled Wednesday that the alleged misconduct did not meet the legal definition of racketeering activity, noting that the lawsuit failed to demonstrate that defendants acted with “a common purpose” – a necessary element for such claims to proceed.

A spokesperson for the city’s Law Department expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating they were “pleased the court agreed there was no legal basis for this case to continue.” Adams’ office did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling.

John Scola, the attorney representing Donlon, confirmed his client has already appealed the decision to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. “Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD’s highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct,” Scola said in a statement. “We are confident the Second Circuit will allow his claims to proceed.”

The lawsuit contained serious allegations against the Adams administration, including claims that NYPD leadership routinely inflated overtime costs, obstructed internal investigations, and retaliated against whistleblowers who attempted to report misconduct. These accusations emerged during a particularly turbulent period for both the police department and the Adams administration.

Donlon’s brief tenure as interim commissioner came at a critical juncture for the NYPD. He was appointed following the resignation of Edward Caban, whose phone was seized by federal authorities as part of a broader investigation into the Adams administration. Several high-ranking city officials have had their homes and offices searched by federal agents in recent months, signaling the scope of the ongoing probe.

After serving approximately two months in the interim role, Donlon was replaced by Jessica Tisch, who continues to lead the department. His lawsuit represents one of several legal actions filed by veteran police officials alleging widespread corruption and favoritism within the department under Adams’ leadership.

The legal challenges facing the NYPD come amid a wider federal investigation that has resulted in multiple bribery cases against former police officials who served during the Adams administration. These cases have raised questions about oversight and accountability within one of the nation’s largest police departments.

The allegations have also created political challenges for Adams, who campaigned heavily on his law enforcement background as a former NYPD captain and promised to improve public safety while addressing concerns about police conduct and accountability.

The dismissal of Donlon’s lawsuit does not end the legal scrutiny surrounding the department. As the appeal moves forward, and with federal investigations continuing, the NYPD faces ongoing questions about its internal operations and leadership culture.

Legal experts note that racketeering claims, which are typically associated with organized crime prosecutions, face a high bar in civil litigation against government entities. The judge’s ruling centered on technical legal requirements rather than evaluating the substance of the corruption allegations themselves.

The case highlights the complex relationship between city leadership and police administration in New York, where political considerations often intersect with law enforcement operations and policies.