Judge Dismisses Ex-NYPD Commissioner's Lawsuit Alleging 'Systemic Corruption'

Lawsuit accused previous mayor and top deputies of operating the police department as a 'criminal enterprise'

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by New York City's former interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlon, that accused the previous mayor, Eric Adams, and his top deputies of operating the NYPD as a 'criminal enterprise'. Donlon claimed he encountered 'systemic corruption and criminal conduct' enabled by Adams and his allies, but the judge ruled the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity.

Why it matters

The dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit is a setback in efforts to address alleged corruption within the NYPD under the previous administration. The case highlighted broader concerns about a culture of cronyism and misconduct that have plagued the department in recent years, with several former police officials facing federal bribery charges.

The details

Donlon, a longtime FBI official, was appointed by Adams to stabilize the scandal-scarred police department. In his lawsuit, Donlon said he encountered 'systemic corruption and criminal conduct' enabled by Adams and his allies, who routinely inflated overtime, blocked internal investigations, and punished whistleblowers. However, the judge ruled the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity because the lawsuit did not describe the defendants acting with 'a common purpose'.

  • Donlon was appointed by Adams following the resignation of the previous police commissioner, Edward Caban, in 2026.
  • Donlon served as the interim commissioner for about two months before being replaced by Jessica Tisch, who continues to lead the department.

The players

Thomas Donlon

New York City's former interim police commissioner who filed the lawsuit alleging 'systemic corruption' in the NYPD.

Eric Adams

The previous mayor of New York City, accused in Donlon's lawsuit of operating the NYPD as a 'criminal enterprise'.

Jessica Tisch

The current police commissioner who replaced Donlon after his brief tenure as interim commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“We are confident the Second Circuit will allow his claims to proceed.”

— John Scola, Attorney for Thomas Donlon

“Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD's highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct.”

— John Scola, Attorney for Thomas Donlon

What’s next

Donlon has already appealed the judge's decision to dismiss the lawsuit, and his attorney is confident the Second Circuit will allow the claims to proceed.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit is a setback in efforts to address alleged corruption within the NYPD, but it highlights the ongoing challenges in rooting out a culture of misconduct and cronyism that has plagued the department in recent years.