Ex-Police Commissioner's Lawsuit Against New York City Dismissed

Judge rules Thomas G. Donlon failed to prove corruption claims against Mayor Adams' administration.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Manhattan federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by former New York City interim police commissioner Thomas G. Donlon, who claimed his dismissal was retaliation for his efforts to expose corruption within the Police Department and City Hall under former Mayor Eric Adams. The judge ruled that Donlon's lawsuit did not provide sufficient proof to back his allegations of a criminal enterprise within the Adams administration.

Why it matters

The dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit is a setback for efforts to uncover potential corruption within the NYPD and City Hall during the Adams administration. Donlon had been appointed as interim commissioner in 2024 to bring stability to the department amid growing federal investigations, but was later replaced by the current commissioner, Jessica S. Tisch.

The details

In her ruling, Judge Denise Cote said Donlon's 243-page lawsuit failed to show the defendants 'acted with a common purpose' in a criminal enterprise. The judge wrote that some events were 'described only in broad brushstrokes without specified dates.' Donlon had argued that police officials undermined him by giving unauthorized approvals, making secret promotion list changes, and trying to plant spies in his office, but the judge said these allegations were not enough to proceed with the case.

  • Donlon was appointed as interim police commissioner in September 2024.
  • Donlon was replaced by Jessica S. Tisch as police commissioner in November 2024.
  • Donlon filed his lawsuit against the city in July 2025.
  • The judge dismissed Donlon's lawsuit on February 19, 2026.

The players

Thomas G. Donlon

Former interim New York City police commissioner who filed a lawsuit against the city claiming he was fired for exposing corruption.

Eric Adams

Former mayor of New York City who appointed Donlon as interim police commissioner in 2024.

Jessica S. Tisch

Current New York City police commissioner, appointed by Mayor Adams in November 2024 to replace Donlon.

Denise Cote

Manhattan federal judge who dismissed Donlon's lawsuit against the city.

John Scola

Lawyer for Thomas G. Donlon who said they plan to appeal the judge's decision.

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What they’re saying

“We strongly disagree with the court's decision and that they planned to appeal.”

— John Scola, Lawyer for Thomas G. Donlon (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge's dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit is expected to be appealed by his legal team.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit against the city highlights the challenges in proving allegations of widespread corruption within a mayoral administration and police department, even when a former top official makes such claims. The case underscores the need for thorough investigations and substantial evidence to support such serious allegations.