Thomas Donlon, a former interim commissioner of the NYPD, has filed a civil racketeering lawsuit against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, claiming corruption within the police department.

Former interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon has initiated a civil racketeering lawsuit against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other senior officials, alleging they engaged in corruption by rewarding loyalists with undue promotions, concealing misconduct, and penalizing whistleblowers. The federal lawsuit portrays the nation's largest police force as a "criminal enterprise" under Adams' direction.

The lawsuit claims this alleged corruption led to an "unlawful transfer of public wealth" through unjust salary hikes, inflated overtime pay, and enhanced pensions. It further accuses senior officials of fabricating internal documents to advance officers with political connections or those whose silence was sought.

According to the allegations, Adams' chosen leaders not only obstructed internal investigations but also strategically leaked information to target dissenters. Requests for comments from the NYPD and City Hall have thus far gone unanswered.

"This lawsuit is not a personal grievance," Donlon stated. "It is a statement against a corrupt system that betrays the public, silences truth, and punishes integrity."

Donlon, an FBI veteran not previously part of the NYPD, was appointed as interim commissioner last September amid turmoil due to federal probes. His predecessor Edward Caban stepped down following an investigation involving seized electronic devices linked to him and several other officials. Caban denies wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges.

Donlon's background includes decades dedicated to counterterrorism work, notably the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation, and he held leadership roles in New York's FBI office and state Homeland Security. However, his tenure was disrupted about a week in when federal agents searched his homes, seizing older materials he claimed were unrelated to his NYPD role.

His stint lasted roughly two months until succeeded by Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who vowed to restore departmental trust. As Mayor Adams seeks reelection, his management of the police department is now under growing scrutiny.