Donlon, former interim NYPD commissioner, files million notice of intent to sue Mayor Adams for defamation.

Former NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas Donlon has initiated legal proceedings against the City of New York, filing a million notice of intent to sue. The claim, made public on Monday, alleges slander stemming from statements made by Mayor Eric Adams and former NYPD spokesperson Tarik Sheppard, who suggested that Donlon was removed from his position due to mental incapacity, a claim that was made without supporting evidence.

In a comprehensive 251-page lawsuit submitted to federal court in Manhattan, Donlon, 71, accuses Adams and other top NYPD officials of operating a “criminal enterprise.” The claims follow a series of incendiary allegations against him, including assertions by Sheppard that Donlon had cognitive issues and that the FBI once seized his cell phones. These assertions surfaced amid a broader narrative that sought to discredit Donlon following his removal from office.

Adams added fuel to the controversy by asserting that Donlon was deemed “mentally unfit” and stated that he dismissed the former commissioner for refusing a mental health evaluation. This assertion has been hotly contested by Donlon’s attorney, John Scola, who described the mayor’s comments as a “deliberate and defamatory attack.” Scola emphasized that facts contradicted the accusations, alleging that Donlon’s phones were never confiscated, nor was there a request for a mental health evaluation. Notably, Donlon was appointed as Senior Advisor for Public Safety immediately after his dismissal—an appointment that Scola argues contradicts the narrative being presented by city officials.

In accordance with legal protocols, claimants are required to file a notice of claim with the city’s Comptroller’s office before commencing a lawsuit. Donlon’s filing asserts that both Adams and Sheppard “knowingly made false, malicious and reputationally damaging public statements.”

Donlon was appointed as interim police commissioner on September 13, following the resignation of Edward Caban, whose departure coincided with a burgeoning federal investigation into alleged corruption within the Adams administration. During his brief tenure, Donlon alleges that he faced continuous undermining from several key figures within the NYPD.

Following his brief tenure, Mayor Adams appointed Jessica Tisch as the permanent police commissioner on November 20 and reassigned Donlon to a role at City Hall focused on securing law enforcement grants from state and federal agencies. However, just months later, in late April, Donlon was informed by City Hall human resources that his position was being terminated, leading to his departure in early May.

As the legal battle unfolds, the response from representatives for Mayor Adams and the NYPD has yet to materialize. This case highlights the complexities of leadership and accountability within the NYPD, raising questions about the interplay between public service and personal reputation in high-stakes political environments.

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