Federal Judge Dismisses Former NYPD Commissioner’s Lawsuit Alleging Systemic Corruption
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A federal judge dismissed a high-profile lawsuit filed by Thomas Donlon, a former interim New York City police commissioner, who accused the New York Police Department of “systemic corruption” under the administration of former Mayor Eric Adams. The lawsuit, which alleged that the NYPD operated as a “criminal enterprise” with misconduct ranging from inflated overtime to suppression of internal investigations, failed to meet the legal standards for racketeering, according to the court ruling issued on February 19, 2026.
Donlon, a longtime FBI official appointed by Adams to help stabilize the police department amid ongoing scandals, filed the suit in July 2025. He claimed to have witnessed pervasive corruption and criminal conduct allegedly enabled by Adams and his top deputies. The allegations included accusations that whistleblowers were disciplined and that internal probes were thwarted, painting a picture of an agency compromised at its highest levels.
However, Judge Denise Cote ruled that the evidence presented did not satisfy the criteria required under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The judge’s decision effectively ended Donlon’s attempt to hold the NYPD and Adams accountable through this federal civil action.
The case had drawn significant attention given the ongoing scrutiny of the NYPD, which has faced criticism over policing practices and internal accountability. Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer himself, had appointed Donlon with the intention of restoring integrity to the department. Donlon’s lawsuit, therefore, represented a striking rebuke of the very administration that had tasked him with reform.
The dismissal highlights the challenges of proving systemic corruption within large law enforcement agencies in court, especially under stringent federal statutes like RICO. Legal experts note that racketeering claims require a high burden of proof, including demonstrating a pattern of criminal activity linked to an enterprise, which the court found lacking in this case.
The NYPD has consistently denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve transparency and accountability. The department’s reforms have been documented by various oversight bodies, including the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which monitors police misconduct complaints in New York City.
This lawsuit and its dismissal come amid broader national conversations about police reform and accountability. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division continues to investigate police departments across the country for patterns of misconduct, underscoring the importance of robust oversight mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the city’s leadership faces ongoing pressure from community groups and activists demanding greater transparency and systemic change within the NYPD. The case also sheds light on the complexities of internal police culture and the difficulties whistleblowers encounter when raising concerns.
As the legal chapter closes on Donlon’s lawsuit, the debate over policing practices in New York City remains active. The NYPD’s efforts to balance public safety with accountability will likely continue to be a focal point for policymakers and residents alike.
For more information on federal civil rights enforcement and police accountability initiatives, visit the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board websites.
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