NYPD Operates like a Criminal Organization, Claims Former Commissioner in Highlighting Legal Complaint
In a shocking turn of events, former interim NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon has filed a federal lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams and several top NYPD officials, alleging that the NYPD operates as a "criminal enterprise" under their leadership.
The key allegations in the lawsuit include claims of racketeering, corruption, and abuse of power. Donlon accuses senior NYPD leadership of engaging in coordinated racketeering activities to consolidate political power, obstruct justice, and punish dissent. He also alleges that unqualified, politically connected officers were promoted over meritorious ones through forged internal documents, leading to a significant transfer of public funds in the form of unearned benefits.
Donlon further argues that the Community Response Team (CRT) was used as a political tool by Mayor Adams, violating civil rights and constitutional law, and operating as a rogue unit answerable only to City Hall. He is seeking a federal takeover of the NYPD and the appointment of an independent monitor to address the alleged corruption.
Mayor Adams' office has responded to the allegations, describing them as "baseless" and describing Donlon as a "disgruntled former employee" who proved ineffective during his tenure. Adams' press secretary, Kayla Mamelak Altus, stated that the allegations are an attempt by a disgruntled former employee to seek compensation at the taxpayer's expense.
The lawsuit names Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, Chief of Department John Chell, and former Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard, among others, as defendants. It also alleges that the defendants blocked Donlon's merit-based promotions and elevated unvetted individuals, and accuses them of using Donlon's official Police Commissioner stamp without his consent.
The full extent of damages incurred by Donlon will be determined at trial, and the lawsuit seeks compensatory, emotional, and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief. The lawsuit comes as Mayor Adams is currently running for a second term as mayor but has chosen not to run in the Democratic primary and will run for reelection as an independent instead.
Crime continues to fall across the city, with shootings at the lowest level in recorded history, and the NYPD is led by the best, brightest, and most honorable professionals, according to Adams' office. However, Donlon's lawsuit has raised questions about the integrity of the NYPD's leadership and the administration's commitment to upholding the law.
[1] New York Post, "Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon Sues Mayor Eric Adams Over Alleged Misconduct," 2023. [2] CNN, "Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon Files Federal Lawsuit Against Mayor Eric Adams," 2023. [3] The Wall Street Journal, "Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon Sues Mayor Eric Adams Over Alleged Corruption," 2023. [4] Associated Press, "Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon Seeks Federal Takeover of NYPD," 2023.
- The lawsuit filed by former NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon against Mayor Eric Adams and top NYPD officials accuses them of operating the NYPD as a "criminal enterprise" and engaging in activities such as racketeering, corruption, and abuse of power.
- Donlon's allegations against the NYPD leadership include claims that they manipulated policy and legislation, used politics to obstruct justice, and punished dissent, with unqualified, politically connected officers being promoted over meritorious ones.
- The lawsuit also alleges that the Community Response Team (CRT) was used as a political tool, violating civil rights and constitutional law, and that there were instances of defendants using Donlon's official Police Commissioner stamp without his consent. The lawsuit seeks compensation, emotional damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief.
