New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban is expected to resign in the coming days after news of a federal investigation of possible corruption, Politico reports.
Separately, the New York Times reports that the administration of Mayor Eric Adams is "seeking" Caban's resignation.
Adams, who generally stands by embattled aides, said of Caban on Monday that “I chose him for his experience and what he brought after 30-something years of service.”
The move would mark the first staff shakeup in the upper ranks of Adams’ administration since federal investigators last week descended upon the homes of several top city officials. They seized Caban’s phone and requested phones from the police commissioner’s twin brother, James, the commissioner’s chief of staff and Deputy Inspector Robert Gault, among others.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS are working on the investigation, NBC New York first reported. Other top members of Adams’ administration — including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III — were raided by investigators, who seized their phones.
Federal agents sought electronic devices from Banks’ brother — a consultant named Terence Banks, who works with firms with business before the city — and an aide to Adams named Tim Pearson, who holds sway over the police department, but has nebulous responsibilities.
Both the conservative New York Post editorial board — which has been friendly to Adams — and progressive City Council Member Lincoln Restler, a mayoral adversary, have called on the police commissioner to resign.
The latest probe involves James Caban’s nightlife consulting business and whether he profited off his brother’s role as police commissioner.
Adams appointed Caban in July 2023, after former Commissioner Keechant Sewell resigned after just 18 months amid frustrations over her oversight in City Hall.