New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban is resigning after his phone was seized by federal investigators a week ago.
In an email, Caban explained he made the decision to resign due to “news around recent developments,” which he said “created a distraction for our department.”
“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 added.
The Associated Press notes, “Caban was one of several high-ranking city officials whose electronic devices were seized last week by federal investigators, according to people familiar with the matter. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation.”
“The subject of the investigation, which is being led by U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, remains unclear. It was not immediately clear whether federal authorities were seeking information linked to one investigation or several,” it added.
The AP notes that officials are also investigating Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, who operates a nightclub security business.
Additionally, the outlet reports officials have seized the phones of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, David Banks, the chancellor of the city’s schools, and mayoral adviser Timothy Pearson.
“The searches added to a flurry of investigative activity around Adams’ administration and his campaign. Adams, a first-term Democrat, was subpoenaed in July, eight months after federal agents seized his cell phones and an iPad while he was leaving an event in Manhattan. Federal authorities haven’t publicly accused him or any officials of any crimes, and Adams has denied any wrongdoing,” the AP explains.
It added, “The investigation that led to Caban’s devices being seized is not believed to be tied to a probe that led federal investigators to seize Adams’ devices last November, according to two people familiar with the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
