Thomas Donlon, the former interim police commissioner in New York City, has filed a substantial federal racketeering lawsuit against his previous boss, Mayor Eric Adams, and all of Adams’ top deputies.

Donlon was recently appointed to stabilize the New York Police Department after a series of federal investigations and resignations within the force. Mayor Adams personally appointed Donlon for the job, since he had proved to be effective as a longtime FBI official. At the FBI, Donlon worked on terrorism cases, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. He also worked with the Office of Homeland Security. Less than one month into serving at the NYPD, Donlon unexpectedly stepped down.

At the time of his resignation, Donlon stated that he had uncovered significant criminal conduct and systematic corruption within the unit. He directly stated that Adams hand-picked individuals to serve who were willing to work outside of the department’s official standard chain of command.

According to the former commissioner, Mayor Adams ran the New York Police Department as if it were a “criminal enterprise.” The lawsuit goes on to claim that the mayor unfairly provided promotions for individuals who were within his inner circle.

What’s more, the mayor is also being accused of hiding misconduct allegations and punishing whistleblowers who attempted to seek justice. All of the mayor’s allies within the department reportedly created an atmosphere dominated by cronyism. Anyone who questioned the mayor or the mayor’s allies was hit with repercussions, while the others were praised and showered with work benefits.

According to the lawsuit, the mayor’s actions triggered an unlawful transfer of wealth by providing unearned salary increases, pension enhancements, payments for unworked overtime, and other unfair monetary benefits to undeserving individuals.

In one brazen case, Donlon says he witnessed Tarik Sheppard, the department’s former top spokesperson, use a rubber signature improperly to give himself both a raise and promotion. Sheppard reportedly threatened to kill Donlon when he confronted him about the incident.

Donlon further reports that he attempted to launch several internal investigations, but his efforts were often blocked.

Kayla Mamelak Altus, the spokesperson for City Hall, spoke to the public about the recent allegations and called them baseless. She also claimed that Donlon is a disgruntled employee who proved ineffective at his job.

The lawsuit calls for unspecified damages for Donlon, who claims his reputation was intentionally ruined due to not cooperating with the corrupt mayor.

Do You Believe Your Rights Have Been Violated?

As an employee with the NYPD, Donlon argues that the position adversely impacted his finances and career. If you’re an employee and feel your rights or future employment opportunities have been compromised by unfair action by an employer, then you might have legal recourse, too.

Do you have questions about a recent incident you’ve experienced? Do you think your rights may have been violated at work? Contact the Bukh Law Firm, PLLC, now to discuss your situation in more detail with one of our top attorneys.

Schedule your free case review by leaving your contact details on our online form or calling us at (718) 797-1961.