A federal judge has thrown out a racketeering lawsuit filed by former interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon against New York City's previous mayor Eric Adams. Donlon had alleged widespread corruption and criminal activity within the police department, but the court ruled the claims didn't meet legal standards for racketeering.
NEW YORK — A federal court has thrown out a racketeering case brought by a former interim New York City police commissioner who claimed the department operated like a “criminal enterprise” under then-Mayor Eric Adams.
Thomas Donlon, a veteran FBI official who Adams brought in during July to help steady the troubled police force, filed the original legal action alleging he discovered widespread corruption and illegal behavior.
According to Donlon’s claims, Adams and his inner circle regularly allowed inflated overtime payments, shut down internal probes, and retaliated against officers who spoke out about wrongdoing.
Federal Judge Denise Cote ruled Wednesday that the accusations failed to satisfy racketeering requirements since the lawsuit didn’t demonstrate defendants were working toward “a common purpose.”
City Law Department representatives expressed satisfaction that “the court agreed there was no legal basis for this case to continue.” Adams’ spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
Donlon’s legal representative, John Scola, confirmed an appeal has been filed.
“Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD’s highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct,” Scola said. “We are confident the Second Circuit will allow his claims to proceed.”
Adams had selected Donlon after Edward Caban stepped down as police commissioner when federal agents confiscated his phone during an extensive investigation into the administration.
Donlon held the temporary position for roughly two months before Jessica Tisch took over permanent leadership of the department.
This legal challenge represented one of multiple cases brought by experienced police leadership describing widespread corruption and favoritism within the force during Adams’ tenure.
Federal prosecutors have recently filed several bribery charges against former police department officials who worked under Adams’ administration.
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