PIX Panel breaks down NYC city corruption investigation

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Federal investigators seized the phones of NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and other high-ranking department officials as part of a city corruption investigation this week, according to law enforcement sources.

PIX11 reporters Henry Rosoff and Nicole Johnson sat down with PIX on Politics host Dan Mannarino following Mayor Eric Adams’ comments regarding the ongoing investigations into top members of his administration .

Adams stood by his peers, claiming he did not know why there were investigations into his circle.

Meanwhile, Nicole Johnson said the mayor is “loyal to a fault sometimes” and shared insight into what she has heard about the investigation.

“Specifically the police commissioner, they are looking into his dealings with quality-of-life initiatives. What that means is contracts, permits, and things with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. They want to see the relationship the NYPD has with those establishments, particularly the owners,” said Johnson.

“First of all, they wouldn’t take phones without probable cause. Think about the police commissioner’s cellphone, information, NYPD information about the community, all on that phone,” added Johnson.

Henry Rosoff, who recently spoke with Gov. Kathy Hochul about the ongoing issue, discussed the avenues she could take if things go too far.

“The governor could suspend the mayor for 30 days. If the mayor is indicted, there’s an additional power to begin a removal process. That removal process says the mayor would have a chance to defend himself, but the law is very vague. This was only almost attempted when FDR was the governor of New York and there was a corrupt mayor who ended up resigning before this could happen,” said Rosoff.

“The governor seemed to really not take any interest in going down either of these roads when we pressed her about it in Long Island,” added Rosoff.

Watch the video player for the full panel.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.