Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against NYPD by Former Interim Police Commissioner
A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit from Thomas Donlon, a former interim police commissioner of New York City, who accused the police department under former Mayor Eric Adams of “systemic corruption.” Donlon described the department as functioning like a “criminal enterprise.”
The lawsuit, which was initiated in July, alleged extortion and came after Donlon, a long-time FBI official, was appointed by Adams to help stabilize the police department amid various scandals.
In his claims, Donlon stated that he saw pervasive corruption and wrongdoing supported by Adams and his circle, which involved things like manipulating overtime pay, hindering internal probes, and punishing whistleblowers.
Judge Dennis Cote ruled on Wednesday that the conduct described did not align with the legal definition of racketeering, pointing out that the lawsuit did not establish that the defendants acted with a “common purpose.”
A spokesperson from the city’s Department of Justice expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating it confirmed there was no legal basis for the lawsuit.
Donlon’s attorney, John Scola, has indicated that they plan to appeal the decision.
Scola emphasized that Donlon had been removed from his role for addressing corruption within the NYPD and for refusing to participate in illegal activities. He expressed confidence that the appellate court would allow Donlon’s case to move forward.
Interestingly, in September 2024, Donlon himself was wiretapped by Adams. This occurred after former police chief Edward Caban resigned, and federal authorities seized his cellphone as part of a criminal investigation into Adams and his administration.
Donlon served as interim commissioner for about two months before Jessica Tisch took over the position, and she continues under Mayor Zoran Mamdani.
Donlon’s lawsuit is one of several complaints made by seasoned law enforcement officials, pointing to a troubling culture of corruption and nepotism during Adams’ tenure. Federal prosecutors have also been pursuing bribery cases against former law enforcement officials associated with Adams.
