A lawsuit alleges New York City Mayor Eric Adams conspired with NYPD officials to force four former chiefs into retirement for opposing favoritism and corruption. High-ranking officers James Essig, Matthew Pontillo, Joseph Veneziano, and Christopher McCormack claim Adams favored his unqualified friends. They cite instances of bribes and improper appointments. Attorney Sarena Townsend states that the allegations reflect whistleblower retaliation, asserting the officers had decades of experience to recognize wrongdoing. Essig recalls Maddrey's attempts to secure senior positions in the Criminal Task Force, which prompted his complaints to then-Commissioner Caban, who reportedly dismissed his concerns.
Sarena Townsend, representing the four retired officers, emphasizes, "The overarching theme is whistleblower retaliation. These are people who were in the department for 30 to 40 years who knew what was right and wrong. What Adams and his group wanted to do was cut corners, do things against policy, do things that were unconstitutional."
Essig recalls corruption allegations surfacing in early 2023, when he noticed Maddrey trying to place friends in senior positions. He approached Caban to voice his concerns, but Caban allegedly rebuffed him.
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