Ex-Comissioner Sues Mayor Adams, Claims NYPD Was Run As 'Criminal Enterprise’

NEW YORK CITY — Former interim NYPD commissioner Tom Donlon has filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming Mayor Eric Adams and other senior police officials engaged in corruption, and ran the department as a "criminal enterprise."

In the lawsuit, Donlon claims to have uncovered "systemic corruption and criminal conduct being perpetrated by the N.Y.P.D.’s leadership" and that Adams condoned the misconduct.

The former police commissioner also accuses Adams and top NYPD officials violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and claims the real control of the department was delegated to Adams' trusted associates.

First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Department John Chell, former Deputy Commissioner and current First Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, and Deputy Commissioners Tarik Sheppard and Michael Gerber were also named in the lawsuit.

Donlon was named police commissioner by Adams in September 2024. Days after his appointment, Donlon's homes were searched by federal authorities.

He served in the role until November 2024 before being replaced by current Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

In addition, the lawsuit alleges a scheme to promote connected officers without merit, instances of police officials using his commissioner stamp to legitimize promotions and others obstructing the Internal Affairs Bureau disciplinary process.

One notable claim includes top officials targeting Donlon's wife for false arrest and leaking the incident to the press.

A City Hall spokesperson has told reporters that the lawsuit is "nothing more than an attempt to seek compensation at the taxpayer’s expense after Mr. Donlon was rightfully removed from the role of interim police commissioner.”

In a schedule press briefing on Wednesday, Adams said his lawyer "will figure this out."

"It’s just a baseless lawsuit of a disgruntled employee,” he said.

You can read the full lawsuit here.