Former NYPD Commissioner Accuses Mayor Adams of Running Criminal Enterprise and Cites ProPublica Investigation

Published: Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 4:30 pm

Former NYPD Commissioner Sues Mayor Adams, Accusing Him of Running Police as a Criminal Enterprise

Former New York City Police Department Commissioner Thomas Donlon has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams and other high-ranking police officials, alleging that Adams operated the NYPD as a criminal enterprise to consolidate power, obstruct justice, and punish dissent. The 251-page complaint, filed Wednesday, accuses Adams of using the department's Community Response Team (CRT) for political gain, transforming it into an enforcement arm that prioritized "tough on crime" optics over civil rights and constitutional law.

The lawsuit draws heavily from a recent investigation, which revealed Adams' strong support for the CRT despite internal concerns within the department. The complaint alleges Adams had access to a livestream of the CRT's body-worn camera footage. Donlon's lawyer stated the CRT reflects a culture under Adams of "willfully violating the constitutional rights of civilians and officers."

The suit highlights a 2023 internal audit that found CRT officers were wrongfully stopping New Yorkers and failing to document incidents. Despite these findings, Adams publicly supported the unit on social media. The official who authored the audit was later removed from their position. This official and other former commanders have also sued Adams, alleging favoritism and misconduct, charges the mayor denies.

Donlon, who served as police commissioner for a brief period in 2024, is making these accusations as Adams faces an uphill battle to retain his position. Adams was indicted last fall on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and campaign finance violations, but avoided trial. He is currently running for reelection as an independent against a popular Democrat.

The mayor's office has dismissed Donlon's claims as "baseless accusations" from a "disgruntled former employee." Adams has previously defended the CRT, stating his support for all of the NYPD's units. The NYPD has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

BNN's Perspective:

This lawsuit raises serious questions about the potential politicization of law enforcement and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. While the mayor's office has dismissed the allegations, the details presented in the complaint, coupled with the ongoing legal challenges and Adams' current political situation, warrant careful scrutiny. The allegations, if proven true, could significantly undermine public trust in the NYPD and the city's leadership.

Keywords: Thomas Donlon, Eric Adams, NYPD, lawsuit, Community Response Team, CRT, criminal enterprise, obstruction of justice, civil rights, misconduct, bribery, fraud, campaign finance, political gain, police commissioner

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