A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by a former interim New York City police commissioner who accused the police department under former Mayor Eric Adams and his top deputies of "systemic corruption" and alleged the agency was operating as a "criminal enterprise."

Thomas Donlon, a longtime FBI official appointed by Adams to stabilize the police department marred by scandals, filed the racketeering lawsuit filed in July.

But Donlon said he witnessed "systemic corruption and criminal conduct" enabled by Adams and his allies who often inflated overtime, prevented internal investigations and disciplined whistleblowers.

FORMER NYPD CHIEF CALLS POLICE CUTS 'RECIPE FOR DISASTER' AS MAMDANI THREATENS TAX HIKES

Judge Denise Cote ruled on Wednesday that the alleged misconduct did not meet the definition of racketeering activity since the lawsuit did not describe the defendants acting with "a common purpose."

A spokesperson for the city’s Law Department told The Associated Press they were "pleased the court agreed there was no legal basis for this case to continue."

An attorney for Donlon, John Scola, told the outlet that his client had already appealed the ruling.

MAMDANI KEEPS JESSICA TISCH AS NYPD COMMISSIONER

"Mr. Donlon confronted corruption within the NYPD’s highest ranks and was forced out for refusing to engage in illegal conduct," Scola said. "We are confident the Second Circuit will allow his claims to proceed."

Donlon was tapped by Adams following the September 2024 resignation of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, whose phone was seized by federal officials as part of a criminal corruption investigation into the then-mayor and his administration.

He served as the interim commissioner for about two months before later being replaced by Jessica Tisch, who still serves as commissioner under the city's current mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

Donlon’s lawsuit was just one of several complaints brought by veteran police officials who alleged a culture of rampant corruption and cronyism within the agency during Adams' time as mayor.

Federal prosecutors have also recently brought several bribery cases against former police officials who served under Adams.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More than 60 high-end homes across the Houston area have been hit in a sweeping burglary spree tied to a South American theft ring using signal jammers and counter-surveillance tactics to evade detection, West University Place Police Chief Gary Ratliff confirmed to Fox News Digital.

The organized crime network, known as the South American Theft Group (SATG), has been linked to numerous break-ins in West University Place, surrounding counties and across the country, authorities said.

Residents packed a public safety meeting Wednesday night in West University Place, where Ratliff warned that the group’s footprint is expanding beyond Houston.

"It was shocking," resident Bill Jones told FOX 26 in Houston. "People from South America terrorizing Americans. That’s pretty scary and unfortunate. I’m really surprised no one has gotten hurt."

CALIFORNIA JEWELRY STORE BURGLAR BREAKS IN FROM ROOF, OWNER THREATENS TO LEAVE LOS ANGELES

Seven of the burglaries occurred in West University Place alone, and police say the cases follow a consistent playbook.

Investigators said suspects target second-story windows at the rear of homes between 7 and 9 p.m., climbing ladders or patio furniture before breaking glass or prying windows open with screwdrivers. The burglars allegedly reposition security cameras, deploy signal jammers to disrupt alarm and Wi-Fi systems and carry stolen property away in pillowcases and backpacks.

The suspects primarily steal high-value items, including designer purses and jewelry. In one case, residents were home when burglars entered, though they did not encounter the suspects.

AURORA TERRORIZED BY VENEZUELAN GANG AS DICTATOR MADURO LET TREN DE ARAGUA SEIZE POWER

According to Ratliff’s presentation, four break-ins and three attempted break-ins have been reported since January 2025, and all seven appear consistent with the group’s methods.

Authorities said the organization is also under investigation in California, Florida, Wisconsin and New York, suggesting the Houston cases may be part of a broader nationwide operation.

MASKED THIEVES IN SOUTH AMERICAN CRIME RING LOOT AMERICAN HOMES IN COORDINATED PATTERN, POLICE WARN

"Most of these folks, they're pretty intelligent," Ratliff said. "They're using burner phones, they're using other information that makes it very difficult to follow."

Last year, officers arrested Chilean national Ignacio Castillo Contreras in connection with one of the burglaries in which jewelry was stolen. Police have also identified Christian Mauricio Rubio Pizarro as a person of interest, though no charges have been filed against him. He is currently facing unrelated charges in Houston and remains jailed on an immigration hold.

Investigators say the case remains active as authorities work to prevent additional burglaries in the community.