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. 28, 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 alleged 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

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and misconduct within the upper ranks of the New York Police Department, which has faced multiple lawsuits and federal investigations in recent years. The dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit raises questions about the ability to hold high-level officials accountable for alleged systemic issues.

The details

Donlon, a longtime FBI official, was appointed by Adams to stabilize the scandal-scarred police department. However, Donlon said he encountered 'systemic corruption and criminal conduct' such as inflated overtime, blocked internal investigations, and punishing whistleblowers. 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 as interim police commissioner by Mayor Adams in 2025 following the resignation of the previous commissioner.
  • Donlon served as interim commissioner for about two months before being replaced by Jessica Tisch, who continues to lead the department.
  • Donlon filed the lawsuit in July 2026 alleging 'systemic corruption and criminal conduct' within the NYPD.
  • The federal judge dismissed Donlon's lawsuit on February 19, 2026.

The players

Thomas Donlon

New York City's former interim police commissioner who filed a lawsuit alleging 'systemic corruption and criminal conduct' within the NYPD.

Eric Adams

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

Jessica Tisch

The current police commissioner of the NYPD, who replaced Donlon after his brief tenure as interim commissioner.

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What’s next

Donlon has already appealed the judge's decision to dismiss his lawsuit, and the case will now move to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing alleged corruption and misconduct within the upper ranks of the NYPD, as high-level officials continue to face lawsuits and federal investigations over these issues. The dismissal of Donlon's lawsuit raises questions about the ability to hold powerful figures accountable, even when serious allegations of systemic problems are made.