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

Lawsuit accused previous mayor and top deputies of operating the NYPD 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 that accused the previous mayor, Eric Adams, and his top deputies of operating the NYPD as a 'criminal enterprise'. The racketeering lawsuit alleged '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.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and misconduct within the NYPD, which has faced multiple lawsuits and federal investigations in recent years. The dismissal of this lawsuit raises questions about the ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable for alleged systemic issues within the department.

The details

Thomas Donlon, a longtime FBI official appointed by Adams to stabilize the scandal-scarred police department, filed the racketeering lawsuit in July. However, Judge Denise Cote ruled that 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 has already appealed the decision, with his attorney stating that 'Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD's highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct'.

  • The lawsuit was originally filed in July 2026.
  • The judge dismissed the lawsuit on February 20, 2026.

The players

Thomas Donlon

New York City's former interim police commissioner who filed the racketeering lawsuit against the previous mayor and his top deputies.

Eric Adams

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

Judge Denise Cote

The federal judge who dismissed Donlon's lawsuit, ruling that the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity.

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What they’re saying

“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

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

— John Scola, Attorney for Thomas Donlon

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing alleged corruption and misconduct within the NYPD, as high-ranking officials continue to face lawsuits and investigations over systemic issues within the department.