NYPD Commissioner Caban resigns amid federal probe
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigns
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned. He made the announcement Thursday, just over a week after his phone was seized as part of a federal investigation. People familiar with the matter say Caban was one of several high-ranking city officials whose electronic devices were seized last week by federal investigators. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.
NEW YORK - NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban is stepping down from his post following a federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that he received Caban's resignation letter in a press conference Thursday and said that Tom Donlon, a prominent former FBI and counter-terrorism official, would replace him.
PBA President Patrick Hendry issued a statement saying: "We thank Commissioner Caban for always listening to our concerns and being willing to work with us on the issues affecting our members. We wish him the best in the future."
Why is Caban resigning?
This comes days after federal agents seized the cellphones of the head of the police department and at least three other high-ranking mayoral deputies.
Adams deflected questions on whether he planned to remove the police commissioner, amid a series of news reports claiming Caban was under pressure to resign.
"I have the utmost confidence in the New York City Police Department," Adams said while quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday. He also noted that if there were any changes, that his administration would announce them.
FOX 5's Morgan McKay says that federal investigators were reportedly looking into whether his twin brother James Caban, sold police protection to nightclubs and restaurants in the city.
He also allegedly had police protection and was chauffeured in and around the city since his brother Edward became the commissioner.
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If Caban resigns, Mayor Eric Adams will have appointed three police commissioners in less than three years.
Who is Edward Caban?
A law enforcement source confirmed to FOX 5 NY's Linda Schmidt that several NYPD executives, including NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, were asked to turn over their phones immediately to investigators at the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
Investigators will also reportedly be looking into emails within the departments as well.
DCPI told FOX 5 that it is "aware of an investigation" and that the department is fully cooperating in the investigation.
Caban was appointed the 46th commissioner of the New York City Police Department in July of 2023.
He is the first Latino NYPD commissioner.
Caban has over 30 years of experience in the department, starting as a police officer patrolling in the South Bronx, climbing the ranks – working his way up to sergeant and, eventually, inspector.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.