NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Pressure is mounting on NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban to step down after subpoenas were issued for his cellphone and those of other top police officials, but a spokesperson says he has "no intention of resigning."
On Sept. 4, federal agents seized devices from Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, Commissioner Caban, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Banks’ brother and city schools chancellor David Banks, as well as Timothy Pearson, a top mayoral adviser and former high-ranking NYPD official.
After reports surfaced that Caban was planning to resign in the coming days, Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard told 1010 WINS, “He is still the police commissioner and has no intention of resigning.”
“There is no avail, the police commissioner will address members of the Jewish community in regard to the upcoming high holy days,” he added.
Mayor Eric Adams fueled speculation about the future of Caban amid the federal investigation.
“I don’t think anything in life is guaranteed,” Adams said during an unrelated press conference on Monday when asked about Caban’s position. He explained that he appointed Caban for his experience and the contributions he made to move the NYPD forward.
When asked directly about Caban stepping down, Adams responded, “There was nothing that came from me that fed those rumors at all.”
Over the weekend, local officials such as Council Member Lincoln Restler of Brooklyn and Robert Holden of Queens both called on Caban to step down.
The investigation, which led to the seizure of Caban’s phone and electronics, as well as those of approximately 15 other NYPD members, may center around Caban’s twin brother. The probe is reportedly exploring whether his brother arranged security or protection for certain nightclubs, according to sources.
Federal agents also interviewed NYPD personnel at a downtown building housing task force unit offices, further expanding the inquiry into potential connections.
No charges have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Earlier on Monday, Adams canceled events after testing positive for COVID. The mayor is also facing increasing scrutiny after investigators seized devices from several officials in his administration, adding to the challenges facing his leadership amid a separate criminal probe.
While none of the officials involved have been charged with a crime, the widespread search warrants have raised concerns about the administration’s ability to maintain focus on governing the nation’s largest city.
The seizures came nearly a year after federal agents seized Adams’ phones and iPad as he was leaving an event in Manhattan. Investigators also searched the homes of a top Adams campaign fundraiser and a member of his administration’s international affairs office.
In February, federal authorities searched two properties belonging to his director of Asian affairs as part of a separate investigation overseen by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn.
Then earlier this summer, Adams, his campaign and City Hall all received subpoenas from federal prosecutors requesting information about the mayor’s overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government.
The most recent round of searches appear to be unrelated to the Turkey inquiry and the investigation by Brooklyn federal prosecutors, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose information about the investigations.
“There is a stench of corruption around the mayor,” said Douglas Muzzio, a retired political science professor at Baruch College with deep knowledge of New York politics. “You’ve got to believe that at some point, the feeling that the government is not working is going to start pervading the public consciousness.”
Throughout the various FBI activities, Adams has forcefully maintained that he has followed the law and that he would continue to focus on his duties as mayor.
Asked repeatedly at news conferences about the investigations, Adams has said his mantra is to “stay focused, no distractions and grind.”
Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for the mayor, said nothing would hamper the administration’s ability to govern.
“For the better part of a year, the mayor has been absolutely clear that, as a former member of law enforcement, he will always follow the law, and in the same time he has stayed focused on delivering for the people of the city,” Levy said in a statement Friday, pointing to recent drops in crime and increases in job numbers and other city initiatives.
In a statement, Schools Chancellor David Banks said: “I remain focused on ensuring they have safe, academically rigorous, and a joyful school year. I am confirming that I am cooperating with a federal inquiry. At this time, I cannot comment any further on that matter.”
News of the latest investigations has provided Adams’ foes with fresh and potent lines of attack ahead of what is expected to be a heavily contested primary election season for the Democratic mayor.
Brad Lander, a Democrat who serves as the city’s comptroller and is one of a handful of challengers to Adams in next year’s primary, said the fact that investigations are swirling around much of the mayor’s top staff could create “a level of both distraction and anxiety about trustworthiness and consequences for all New Yorkers.”
“New Yorkers want to know their leaders are focused on their problems and not their own problems, and the staff of agencies also need focused leadership helping them confront the challenges New Yorkers have,” Lander said.
Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller who is expected to run against Adams next year, said the investigations are becoming a serious impediment to the day-to-day process of governing.
“We New Yorkers are not stupid,” he said. “We know that this government is paralyzed by the investigation. I think the mayor needs to step up and tell New Yorkers, in a real way, everything he knows about what’s going on.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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