(Rightallegiance.com) – New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has announced his resignation, effective Friday, according to multiple sources who spoke with ABC News. The decision to step down comes in the wake of a federal investigation into alleged corruption within the city’s government, which has recently seen significant developments.
Caban’s resignation was formally communicated via a letter from his attorney to City Hall. In an email addressed to the NYPD, which was obtained by ABC News, Caban did not directly reference the ongoing federal probe. Instead, he described his resignation as a result of “recent developments,” emphasizing his commitment to the department and its members.
“My complete focus has always been on the NYPD—the department and people I love and have dedicated over 30 years of service to,” Caban wrote in the email. “However, the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and 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.”
Caban, who has been with the NYPD since 1991, continued, “I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City. For the good of this city and this department, I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner.”
The resignation follows a significant federal investigation that began last week, which saw authorities seize cellphones from Caban and other NYPD officials.
Federal agents also conducted searches at the residences of Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks, gathering evidence including electronic devices. While no charges have been filed, the focus of the investigation reportedly includes city contracts and regulations pertaining to bars and clubs.
During a press conference on Monday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the rumors surrounding Caban’s resignation. “Rumors are always out there,” Adams stated when asked if Caban’s departure was related to the investigation. The mayor emphasized the experience Caban brought to the role, noting, “When I chose Eddie, I chose him for his experience and what he brought after 30-something years of service.”
Adams’ chief counsel confirmed last week that investigators have not indicated that the mayor or his staff are targets of the investigation. Adams himself has pledged full cooperation with the probe, maintaining that he is unaware of any wrongdoing by his administration. “As a former member of law enforcement, I’m very clear. We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed,” Adams told CBS New York on September 5. “I am not aware of any misdoings and I’m going to, again, follow the rules and I will continue to tell the team to do that.”
The investigation into NYPD officials began with subpoenas for their cellphones on September 5. Subsequently, additional phone records were sought, and investigators interviewed police officials at a location adjacent to 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 service. The Department is fully cooperating in the investigation,” an NYPD spokesperson said, directing further inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which has declined to comment.
Caban’s family has connections to New York City’s nightlife scene. His brother, Richard Caban, a former NYPD lieutenant, previously owned Con Sofrito, a now-closed restaurant in the Bronx. Edward Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, also a former NYPD sergeant, once owned an apartment building with a bar named Twins on the premises.
Edward Caban began his career with the NYPD as a police officer in the Bronx in 1991 and worked his way up through the ranks. He became the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner in 2022 and was appointed Police Commissioner by Mayor Adams in July 2023, following the resignation of Keechant Sewell, the city’s first female commissioner.
The announcement of Caban’s resignation has elicited mixed reactions. City Councilman Robert Holden, speaking on CBS’ “The Point with Marcia Kramer,” urged Caban to step down, stating, “I do think he has to do something because it does cast a bad, deep shadow over the police department.” Holden added, “We have to have confidence that he’s staying within the law. He sets an example for the whole department.”
As New York City navigates the unfolding investigation, the search for a new Police Commissioner will be closely watched by residents and officials alike.