NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban Resigns Amid Federal Investigation

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban is resigning, according to multiple sources. The news of Caban’s resignation was revealed through a letter sent by his attorney to City Hall, with his departure set for Friday.

This resignation follows a federal investigation into alleged corruption within New York City’s government. Sources say that authorities recently seized Caban’s cellphone, along with those of other NYPD officials, in connection with the probe.

Last week, federal agents also conducted searches at the homes of Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks, sources said. During the searches, the FBI collected evidence, including electronic devices, according to those familiar with the investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.

While Manhattan federal prosecutors have not disclosed specifics regarding the investigation, sources indicate it may involve city contracts and potential breaches in regulations governing bars and clubs.

When questioned during a separate press event on Monday about whether Caban’s resignation was linked to the investigation, New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded, “Rumors are always out there.”

“I don’t think anything in life is guaranteed,” Adams added. “I would say this: When I chose Eddie, I chose him for his experience and what he brought after 30-something years of service.”

The mayor’s chief counsel mentioned last week that investigators have not indicated that Mayor Adams or his staff are targets of the probe.

Adams also reiterated last week that he was not aware of any misconduct by his administration and committed to fully cooperating with the investigation.

“As I’ve said before, as a former law enforcement officer, I am clear on this. We follow the rules, we cooperate, and we provide any information needed. It would be inappropriate to interfere with the ongoing review,” Adams told CBS New York on Sept. 5. “I have no knowledge of any misdoings, and I will continue to follow the rules. To my knowledge, that’s exactly what my team has been doing.”

Several top officials from the NYPD, including Caban, were issued subpoenas for their cellphones on Sept. 5, according to sources. The following day, investigators pursued phones from other NYPD officials, such as precinct commanders in Manhattan, and conducted interviews at a location near police headquarters.

“The Department is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of the force. The Department is fully cooperating with the investigation,” said an NYPD spokesperson on Sept. 5. They directed further inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which declined to comment.

Caban’s family has longstanding ties to the nightlife industry. His brother, Richard Caban, a former NYPD lieutenant, owned a Bronx restaurant called Con Sofrito, which is now closed. Edward Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, also a former NYPD sergeant, owned a Bronx apartment building that housed a bar called Twins.

Caban began his career in the NYPD in 1991, working as a police officer in the Bronx. He steadily moved up the ranks, becoming the department’s first deputy commissioner in 2022.

In July 2023, Mayor Adams appointed Caban as police commissioner, following the resignation of Keechant Sewell, the city’s first female police commissioner.

In response to the news of the subpoenas, City Councilman Robert Holden called for Caban’s resignation.

“I do think he has to do something because it does cast a bad, deep shadow over the police department,” Holden said during an interview on CBS’ “The Point with Marcia Kramer” on Sunday.

“We need to be confident that he’s acting within the law. He sets an example for the entire department,” Holden added.

{Matzav.com}