Allegations of Corruption and Cronyism Within NYPD Uncovered by Former Officials

In a significant legal development, four former senior officials from the New York City Police Department have taken legal action against Mayor Eric Adams and members of his administration. They allege that the mayor and his top aides have been involved in a corrupt scheme that grants promotions to unqualified allies within the police force. This pattern of cronyism is reportedly complemented by claims of cash bribes, particularly connected to the former police commissioner. The accusations come in the wake of ongoing federal investigations into the department, which has faced scrutiny since last year.

The former officials have expressed that they were either demoted or compelled to retire after they voiced concerns regarding these practices, suggesting an environment where dissent is not tolerated. As the mayor seeks re-election, his spokesperson announced that the accusations would be reviewed while maintaining that the leadership of the police department is expected to uphold high ethical standards.

The complaints assert that beginning in 2023, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, a known ally of Adams, circumvented standard hiring procedures to promote numerous friends to vital positions within the department. A notable example cited in the lawsuits is Chief of Detectives James Essig, who observed a concerning influx of inexperienced personnel into the department’s sex crimes unit and faced pushback when he attempted to address the issue. Following his complaints to Edward Caban, who would later be promoted to police commissioner, Essig faced disciplinary action that culminated in his demotion.

Furthermore, allegations surfaced regarding Caban purportedly selling promotions to select associates for prices that could reach up to $15,000. Essig ultimately chose to resign rather than accept a demotion that he believed was unjust. Meanwhile, an attorney representing Caban dismissed the bribery claims as unfounded and reckless. Caban and Maddrey have faced separate investigations, the latter linked to accusations of inappropriate conduct, but neither has encountered criminal charges to date.

The lawsuits also implicate other police department officials, including Chief of Department John Chell, in efforts to suppress any internal criticism of the mayor’s associates and their policing strategies. For instance, the former chief of professional standards, Matthew Pontillo, reported concerning findings about officers' behavior regarding body camera usage, but faced a discouraging response from Chell, which reflected a broader issue of accountability. Such dynamics within the department culminated in significant leadership changes, including the resignation of former Commissioner Sewell shortly after a discussion with the mayor, indicating the stakes of internal investigations into these practices.