NEW YORK (AP) — Four high-ranking former New York City police officials are accusing Mayor Eric Adams and his top deputies of doling out promotions to unqualified allies as part of a scheme that also involved alleged cash bribes paid to the ex-police commissioner.

The four ex-chiefs allege Adams allowed ex-Police Commissioner Edward Caban, ex-Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and other close advisers to manipulate promotions and assignments for their

The lawsuits, by four former police officers, claim that a culture of cronyism ruled the department. James Essig, who was chief of detectives, said that promotions were sold for $15,000.