Edward Caban, New York City's first Latino police commissioner, resigned on September 12, 2024, amid a federal corruption investigation. This marks the first high-profile resignation from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which has been under scrutiny since federal investigators launched multiple probes into officials within the mayor's inner circle.
Caban, who served as NYPD Commissioner for just 14 months, stepped down after federal authorities seized his phone and those of other city officials, including his twin brother, James Caban. James, a former NYPD officer who now runs a nightclub security business, is a focus of the investigation due to allegations of influence-peddling. The investigation is looking into whether Caban’s brother improperly used his connections to the police commissioner to benefit his security business.
The new interim NYPD commissioner, Tom Donlon, worked at BlackRock after his time with the FBI and before founding his own security firm, Global Security Resolutions, in 2020.—
He has a law enforcement background with the FBI and New York’s Office of Homeland Security… just… pic.twitter.com/yNJ2yAbzVz
— April Color (@ColorApril) September 14, 2024
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. It follows a series of raids and the seizure of devices from top Adams officials, including Deputy Mayors Sheena Wright and Philip Banks, and Schools Chancellor David Banks. While no formal charges have been brought, the raids have raised significant concerns about corruption within the mayor's administration. Mayor Adams has denied any wrongdoing and stated he was unaware of the federal probes until recently.
Caban, who had been widely regarded for his efforts in reducing violent crime during his tenure, cited the investigation as a distraction that would prevent him from effectively leading the NYPD. In his resignation letter, he emphasized his dedication to the department over his 30-year career and stated that the current situation made it impossible for him to continue focusing solely on public safety.
New leadership is taking over the NYPD after Commissioner Edward Caban resigned Thursday
"Even if he's done nothing.. & Caban is a pretty decent guy… he choose a brave and good course to step aside," says @REspositoNYC
Watch our coverage here: https://t.co/YHYV5FmMJW pic.twitter.com/YZBvmm74SY
— MAHSA SAEIDI, ESQ.🕵🏼 مهسا (@MahsaWho) September 14, 2024
Caban’s resignation comes at a challenging time for Mayor Adams, who made public safety a cornerstone of his administration. Adams, a former NYPD captain, had personally selected Caban for the role. Now, the mayor faces increasing scrutiny as the investigation intensifies, with political analysts questioning the stability of his leadership.
Following Caban’s resignation, Tom Donlon, a former FBI official and New York's director of Homeland Security, was appointed as interim commissioner. Donlon’s experience with high-profile investigations, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, is expected to help restore confidence in the NYPD. However, his lack of experience with local policing may present challenges as he navigates the complex political landscape of New York City.
The investigation into Caban and other city officials is still unfolding, with federal authorities remaining tight-lipped about specific charges or targets. Caban’s legal team emphasized that he is not currently considered a target of the investigation and intends to cooperate fully with federal prosecutors
Caban’s resignation adds to a growing list of leadership challenges within the NYPD. His predecessor, Keechant Sewell, the department's first female commissioner, also resigned abruptly after a relatively short tenure, fueling speculation about internal discord and the mayor’s grip on the police force. With crime reduction still a major focus for the administration, Donlon will face immediate pressure to stabilize the department and address public concerns about leadership and integrity.
