Four former high-ranking police officers are suing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, claiming he allowed corruption and created an environment where speaking out resulted in reprisal. They allege that promotions were sold for $15,000 and favoritism was rampant, impacting officer morale and careers. One officer, James Essig, asserts he was compelled to retire for opposing the elevation of unqualified personnel. The lawsuits seek to bring accountability for past misconduct within the Police Department. The allegations could potentially affect Adams' re-election campaign as he focuses on crime reduction.
James Essig, a retired cop with over 40 years of service, served as chief of detectives until August 2023. He claimed in the lawsuit that the commissioner at the time, Edward Caban, compelled him to retire when he objected to the elevation of unqualified personnel to elite detective jobs and specialized groups.
The lawsuit claims that instead of relying on a list of applicants selected by supervisors, Mr. Caban and Mr. Maddrey frequently chose 'friends and cronies,' including Mr. Adams.
Mr. Essig demanded 'accountability' for prior leaders whose policies 'killed morale' and harmed the careers of scores of police officers who were thrown out or left the department due to concerns about its direction.
The lawsuits are intended to expose the misbehavior of 'people who were in there who didn't do the right thing.' He stated, 'They used the Police Department as their own little playground.'
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