Commissioner Steps Down Unexpectedly Amidst Controversial Investigation

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigns abruptly amid a federal corruption probe focusing on the department’s leadership.

At a Glance

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned after a federal raid.
The raid was part of a broader corruption investigation.
Federal agents seized Caban’s cellphone during the raid.
Mayor Eric Adams appointed Tom Donlon as the new interim police commissioner.
No charges have been filed against Caban or other officials.

Federal Corruption Probe Forces NYPD Commissioner’s Resignation

Edward Caban, the commissioner of the New York City Police Department, resigned abruptly, following a federal corruption probe that targeted the NYPD’s leadership. Federal agents raided Caban’s home less than a week prior, seizing his cellphone as part of the investigation. The federal probe’s details remain unclear, but it highlights significant issues within the NYPD.

The federal raid and seizure were part of an ongoing corruption investigation. Multiple criminal probes have been launched into the city government, including high-ranking officials such as Caban. Mayor Eric Adams, who has faced increasing federal scrutiny since taking office in 2022, appointed Tom Donlon as the new interim police commissioner. Donlon previously ran the FBI’s National Threat Center and was involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation.

New leadership is taking over the NYPD after Commissioner Edward Caban resigned Thursday. This comes amid a federal corruption investigation that's engulfed a number of police officials, as well as Caban's twin brother. @MKramerTV and @MahsaWho report.
https://t.co/Mf7ioUeasr

— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) September 12, 2024

The Replacement: Tom Donlon

Tom Donlon, a Bronx native, has an extensive history in security and anti-terrorism. Donlon investigated significant events such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and al-Qaeda attacks on U.S. embassies and the USS Cole. Mayor Eric Adams praised Caban’s tenure, noting there was “a drop in crime for 13 of the 14 months he served as commissioner.”

Despite disruptions and pressures caused by the federal investigation, Donlon committed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency within the NYPD. Mayor Adams also acknowledged the challenges ahead, given the federal scrutiny and recent resignations.

Ongoing Probes and Broader Implications

The investigation is part of broader corruption probes involving top aides to Mayor Eric Adams. Other top officials had their homes raided, and their phones were seized. The IRS’s Criminal Investigation division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York are involved in these inquiries. Nevertheless, no charges have been filed against Caban or other officials thus far.

Questions remain about whether James Caban, Edward’s twin brother, profited from his brother’s position and if clubs received special treatment. The investigation will also consider whether officers were pressured to target clubs not doing business with James Caban and if promotions were connected to the scheme. The NYPD has committed to full cooperation with the investigation. Caban’s attorneys asserted that he is not a target of the investigation and will cooperate fully.