Fact Check: Eric Adams promoted corruption in the NYPD, selling promotions for $15,000.

Fact Check: "Eric Adams promoted corruption in the NYPD, selling promotions for $15,000."

What We Know

Recent lawsuits filed by four former high-ranking NYPD officials allege that Mayor Eric Adams and his administration fostered a culture of corruption within the police department. The lawsuits claim that promotions were sold for as much as $15,000, particularly under the leadership of former police commissioner Edward Caban, who is accused of favoring unqualified candidates for promotions in exchange for cash bribes (source-1, source-2). One of the plaintiffs, James Essig, a former chief of detectives, stated that he was forced to resign after raising concerns about these practices, which he described as a systematic approach to promoting "friends and cronies" of Adams (source-1).

The lawsuits also detail a broader environment of cronyism and retaliation against those who opposed these practices, suggesting that the culture of corruption was pervasive and supported by the mayor's office (source-3, source-4).

Analysis

The allegations made in the lawsuits are serious and come from credible sources—former high-ranking officials within the NYPD who have decades of experience in law enforcement. Their claims are bolstered by the fact that they are willing to go public and face potential backlash, indicating a strong belief in the validity of their accusations (source-2).

However, it is important to note that these are allegations at this point, and the accused parties, including Mayor Adams and former Commissioner Caban, have denied any wrongdoing. Caban's attorneys described the bribery allegations as "unsupported and reckless," emphasizing the need for further investigation before drawing definitive conclusions (source-2). The lawsuits have not yet been resolved in court, and the outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the legal arguments made.

While the claims of corruption and the specific figure of $15,000 for promotions are highlighted in the lawsuits, the broader context of cronyism and retaliation within the department raises questions about the integrity of the NYPD under Adams' leadership. The ongoing federal investigations into several members of the Adams administration further complicate the situation, as they suggest a pattern of misconduct that may not be limited to the allegations in these lawsuits (source-3, source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that "Eric Adams promoted corruption in the NYPD, selling promotions for $15,000" is Partially True. While there are credible allegations from former high-ranking officials that promotions were sold for cash, the full extent of these claims and their implications are still under investigation. The lawsuits provide a basis for concern regarding the integrity of the NYPD under Adams, but until the legal process unfolds, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.

Fact Check: Eric Adams promoted corruption in the NYPD, selling promotions for $15,000.