Former NYPD Commissioner Thomas Donlon has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Mayor Eric Adams and several current and former top police officials of operating what he describes as a “corrupt enterprise” within the New York City government. The 251-page civil racketeering complaint, submitted Wednesday, July 16th, in the Southern District of New York, outlines a series of allegations involving retaliation, manipulated promotions, and obstruction of justice.
Donlon, 71, a former federal agent, was appointed commissioner in September 2024 following the resignation of Edward Caban amid a federal investigation. In the lawsuit, Donlon claims he held the title of commissioner in “name only,” alleging that real control of the department remained with Adams’ close allies.
Among the most serious allegations is an incident involving former NYPD spokesperson Tarik Sheppard, who allegedly used Donlon’s signature stamp to approve his own promotion. When confronted, Sheppard reportedly threatened him at the NYC Marathon, stating, “I will f—–g kill you.” The lawsuit also accuses former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey of manipulating Donlon’s daily schedule, planting staff in his office to monitor him, and interfering with efforts to launch misconduct investigations.
Donlon contends that officers he selected for promotion were quietly replaced with other candidates favored by department leadership. According to the complaint, records were altered to make it appear as though Donlon had approved the changes. The suit also highlights longstanding issues with evidence storage, noting that after a warehouse fire in 2022 destroyed decades of material, no promised reforms were implemented. A subsequent tour of NYPD facilities in late 2024 allegedly revealed continued mismanagement.
The lawsuit asserts that Adams and his deputies used the NYPD’s internal systems to consolidate political control, protect individuals accused of misconduct, and retaliate against those who challenged their authority.
“This lawsuit is not a personal grievance; it is a statement against a corrupt system that betrays the public, silences truth, and punishes integrity,” Donlon emphasized in a statement.
Donlon’s attorney, John Scola, added that the legal action calls for the appointment of an independent federal monitor to oversee the department’s promotion and disciplinary processes. City Hall and the NYPD have not yet issued public responses to the claims.
