New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned from his position amid a federal corruption investigation targeting Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle.
According to Fox News, Caban's resignation comes days after federal agents raided his home and the homes of other city officials, seizing electronic devices.
The resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing federal probe, which has cast a shadow over the Adams administration. Caban, who served as commissioner for approximately 14 months, was appointed in July 2023 as the NYPD's first Hispanic commissioner.
The federal investigation has expanded beyond Caban, with raids also conducted on the homes of other high-ranking Adams aides. These include First Deputy Mayor Sheena Right, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, and Timothy Pearson, a former NYPD official turned mayoral adviser.
Caban's twin brother, James, is also under investigation in connection with his nightlife consulting business. The scope of the probe suggests a broader examination of potential corruption within the city's leadership.
Mayor Eric Adams has acknowledged receiving a subpoena from federal prosecutors but denies any wrongdoing. The mayor stated that he and his team are cooperating with the investigation.
In his resignation letter, Caban emphasized the importance of leadership without distractions for the NYPD. He stated:
I have therefore decided it is in the best interest of the Department that I resign as Commissioner. After 30 years of service to this city, I hold immense respect and gratitude for its brave officers, and must put their interests before my own. I believe firmly in the vital role of leaders with integrity, who, by example, demonstrate the difference between right and wrong every day. I will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Adams accepted Caban's resignation during an early afternoon news briefing, describing it as "the best decision at this time." The mayor expressed respect for Caban's decision and wished him well.
Caban's attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, released a statement addressing their client's status in the investigation. They stated:
We have been informed by the government that he is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government.
This clarification suggests that while Caban is not a direct target of the probe, he may still be involved in some capacity or have information relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The resignation of Commissioner Caban and the ongoing federal investigation has raised questions about the stability of New York City's leadership. Mayor Adams has expressed confidence in the NYPD as a whole, emphasizing the importance of team functionality over individual roles.
Adams stated, "What's important to me, and the reason I keep saying NYPD, because Commissioner Caban is part of a team there, and an entire team has to function. One person does not determine the success of the New York City Police Department."
Edward Caban's resignation as NYPD Commissioner comes amid a federal corruption probe into Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle. The investigation has led to raids on the homes of several high-ranking city officials, including Caban and other Adams aides. Caban, who served for about 14 months, was the NYPD's first Hispanic commissioner. While Caban is not a direct target of the investigation, he has pledged to cooperate fully. The probe has raised concerns about potential corruption within city leadership and foreign influence in New York politics. Mayor Adams has denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence in the NYPD as a whole.
