Thomas Donlon Files Lawsuit Against Mayor Eric Adams
Thomas Donlon, the former interim chair of the New York Police Department (NYPD) committee, has reportedly initiated a federal assault lawsuit against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
In his claims, Donlon accuses Adams of operating the police force like a “criminal corporation.” The lawsuit includes the names of Adams, and eight current or former high-ranking NYPD officials, including Director John Chell and Deputy Mayor Kazu Daughtry. Donlon asserts that Adams and his associates promoted unqualified allies and retaliated against whistleblowers who attempted to expose wrongdoing.
Donlon suggests that, during his brief leadership, a close confidant of the mayor unearthed “systematic corruption and criminal conduct” involving NYPD officials, allegedly facilitated by Adams, while bypassing standard procedures. The lawsuit claims this corruption has led to a significant, illegal transfer of public funds through pensions, overtime, and pay raises.
Moreover, Donlon alleges that former NYPD spokesperson Tarik Shepherd used a stamp bearing Donlon’s signature to grant himself a raise and promotion, threatening Donlon when confronted about it. Shepherd allegedly retaliated by releasing personal information about Donlon’s family to the media.
According to a spokesperson for New York City Hall, Kayla Mamelak Altus, the lawsuit is “basically unfounded,” attributing Donlon’s actions to being a disgruntled former employee who was ineffective when given the chance to lead the NYPD.
The lawsuit also claims that Donlon’s efforts to initiate an internal investigation were thwarted, and the NYPD leadership refused to assist federal agents. He is seeking unspecified damages, contending that his professional reputation has been “deliberately destroyed,” while requesting federal oversight of the NYPD.
Donlon previously worked for the FBI on terrorist incidents, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and later served as director of the New York State Department of Homeland Security. He joined the NYPD in fall 2024, intending to restore stability amidst ongoing turmoil and federal investigations but resigned after less than a month, reportedly following a search of his residence by federal agents.
