KEY POINTS:
- Edward Caban Resignation: Resigned after 15 months following his phone’s seizure in a federal investigation involving Mayor Adams’ circle.
- Federal Investigation: Focus remains unclear, Caban not currently a target but cooperating with authorities.
- Mayor Adams Reaction: Appointed Tom Donlon, a former FBI official, as interim NYPD commissioner.
- James Caban Under Investigation: Twin brother of Edward Caban, linked to nightclub security business, denies wrongdoing.
- Caban’s Legacy: First Latino commissioner of NYPD, improved crime stats, but faced criticism for handling officer misconduct.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban Resigns Amid Federal Investigation Involving Top NYC Officials
Edward Caban Steps Down as NYPD Commissioner Following Federal Probe
Edward Caban, the New York City Police Commissioner, resigned on Thursday after his phone was seized as part of a federal investigation that has involved several members of Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle. Caban had led the largest police force in the U.S. for 15 months and announced his resignation through an internal email to the department, stating that the ongoing developments had created an unwanted distraction.
In his email, Caban wrote, “I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD.” His decision to step down follows a tumultuous period for the Adams administration, where multiple officials have had their devices seized as part of the investigation, the details of which remain unclear.
Mayor Eric Adams Appoints Interim Commissioner Amid Controversy
At a press conference following Caban’s resignation, Mayor Eric Adams praised Caban for his efforts in making New York City safer. He announced Tom Donlon, a former FBI official, as the interim police commissioner. Donlon has an extensive background in law enforcement, having previously led the FBI’s National Threat Center and the Office of Homeland Security in New York before establishing his own security firm in 2020. In his statement, Donlon expressed his honor and commitment to leading the NYPD, emphasizing his focus on removing illegal firearms from New York City communities.
Caban’s departure marks the first major resignation from Mayor Adams’ administration since the federal investigation began. Several high-ranking officials, including two deputy mayors, the city’s schools chancellor, and a mayoral adviser, had their devices seized in recent weeks.
Federal Investigation’s Focus Remains Unclear
The federal investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, has so far not revealed its exact focus or whether it is related to multiple probes. However, sources close to the investigation, speaking anonymously, have indicated that there is no evidence linking Caban to any criminal activity at this point.
Caban’s attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, issued a statement clarifying that Caban was not a target of the investigation. They assured that Caban would cooperate fully with the authorities. The Justice Department differentiates between a “target” of an investigation, defined as someone against whom substantial evidence has been gathered, and a “subject,” who is simply within the scope of the investigation. Despite Caban not being labeled a target, these definitions are fluid, and situations can evolve as new information is uncovered.
Caban’s Twin Brother Also Under Scrutiny
In a related development, federal authorities are also investigating Edward Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, who operates a nightclub security business. A source close to the investigation confirmed the probe into James Caban, though his attorney, Sean Hecker, vehemently denied any wrongdoing on his client’s behalf. Hecker noted that James Caban’s work as a security consultant and liaison was entirely legal, particularly given his prior career with the NYPD.
Caban’s Legacy at the NYPD
Edward Caban made history as the first Latino to lead the 179-year-old NYPD, having joined the force in 1991 as a patrol officer in the Bronx. His leadership was marked by a decline in murders, burglaries, grand larcenies, and auto thefts. However, his tenure was also criticized, particularly regarding how officer misconduct was handled, including his failure to discipline officers involved in the fatal shooting of a Black man, Kawaski Trawick, in 2019.
As Caban exits the NYPD, he leaves behind a mixed legacy. While crime numbers in certain categories improved, other issues, including a rise in reported hate crimes and sexual assaults, continue to challenge the department.
Caban’s resignation is not believed to be tied to the ongoing federal probe into Mayor Adams, whose devices were seized by federal agents last November. No formal charges have been brought against the mayor or Caban, and both maintain their innocence as the investigation unfolds.