Introduction to the Lawsuit
Former Interim NYPD Police Commissioner Tom Donlon has filed a bombshell lawsuit alleging the NYPD is “criminal at its core”.
The 251-page lawsuit, which was filed in the Southern District Wednesday morning, names the City of New York, Mayor Eric Adams, and current and former top NYPD brass, including, John Chell, Kaz Daughtry, Tania Kinsella, Jeffrey Madrey, and Tarik Sheppard.
Allegations of Corruption
Their alleged corruption triggered a “massive, unlawful transfer of public wealth,” the suit states, through unearned salary increases, overtime payments, pension enhancement and other benefits.
At times, top officials forged internal documents to promote politically connected officers or those whose silence they were seeking, according to the lawsuit.
With Adams’ approval, his cadre of hand-picked police leaders also sought to obstruct internal investigations, while targeting dissenters with leaks through the press, the suit alleges.
Statement from Donlon
“This lawsuit is not a personal grievance,” Donlon said in a statement. “It is a statement against a corrupt system that betrays the public, silences truth, and punishes integrity.”
Donlon, who served as interim NYPD commissioner for less than two months (until he was replaced with current commissioner Jessica Tisch), alleges “the defendants engaged in a coordinated pattern of racketeering activity that was deliberate, sustained, and directed from the highest levels of the NYPD and City Hall.”
The former FBI investigator adds, “the criminal conspiracy… was coordinated and systemic, forming an unlawful scheme to preserve power, punish dissent, and defraud the public.”
Background on Donlon
Donlon, a career FBI official who had not previously worked in the NYPD, was brought in as interim commissioner last September to stabilize a department shaken by federal investigations following the resignation of former Police Commissioner Eddie Caban.
Donlon had spent decades working on terrorism cases, including the investigation into the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and was a top counterterrorism official for the FBI’s New York office. He also led New York state’s Office of Homeland Security before going into the private sector security industry.
But about a week into his tenure, federal authorities searched Donlon’s homes and seized decades old materials that he said at the time were unrelated to his work with the NYPD. Donlon was never charged with any wrongdoing.
Demands of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit calls for an independent authority to oversee key decisions at the department. It also demands a trial by jury.
Response from City Hall
In a statement City Hall said: "These are baseless accusations from a disgruntled former employee who — when given the opportunity to lead the greatest police department in the world — proved himself to be ineffective. This suit is nothing more than an attempt to seek compensation at the taxpayer’s expense after Mr. Donlon was rightfully removed from the role of interim police commissioner. The NYPD is led by the best, brightest, and most honorable professionals in the nation — and their results speak for themselves: crime continues to fall across the city, with shootings at the lowest level in recorded history. We will respond in court, where we are confident these absurd claims will be disproven.”
Similar Lawsuits
Last week, four other former high-ranking New York City police officials filed separate lawsuits against Adams and his top deputies, alleging a culture of rampant corruption and bribes that preceded Donlon’s appointment.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Tom Donlon is a significant development in the ongoing saga of corruption and misconduct within the NYPD. The allegations made by Donlon are serious and far-reaching, and the response from City Hall has been dismissive. As the lawsuit makes its way through the courts, it will be important to watch for any developments or revelations that may shed more light on the inner workings of the NYPD and City Hall.
FAQs
Q: Who is Tom Donlon and what is his background?
A: Tom Donlon is a former Interim NYPD Police Commissioner and a career FBI official. He has worked on terrorism cases and was a top counterterrorism official for the FBI’s New York office.
Q: What are the allegations made by Donlon in his lawsuit?
A: Donlon alleges that the NYPD is “criminal at its core” and that top officials engaged in a coordinated pattern of racketeering activity, including corruption, obstruction of internal investigations, and targeting of dissenters.
Q: Who is named in the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit names the City of New York, Mayor Eric Adams, and current and former top NYPD brass, including John Chell, Kaz Daughtry, Tania Kinsella, Jeffrey Madrey, and Tarik Sheppard.
Q: What is the response from City Hall to the lawsuit?
A: City Hall has dismissed the allegations as "baseless accusations" from a "disgruntled former employee" and has expressed confidence that the claims will be disproven in court.
Q: Are there other similar lawsuits filed against the NYPD and City Hall?
A: Yes, four other former high-ranking New York City police officials have filed separate lawsuits against Adams and his top deputies, alleging a culture of rampant corruption and bribes.
