NYC police commissioner resigns amid nightclub probe involving twin brother

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the resignation of Police Commissioner Edward Caban during a press conference on Thursday, a week after it was revealed that Caban was under federal investigation.

Caban, the first Latino to serve as the city's police commissioner, had his phone seized by the FBI last week, according to sources. His twin brother, James, who operates a nightclub security business, is also under federal investigation.

Sources from NBC and CBS News report that the investigation is exploring whether James was paid by Manhattan bars and clubs to use his connections with the former commissioner to secure favorable treatment, such as resolving noise complaints.

Mayor Adams has appointed Tom Donlon, a retired FBI official, as the interim police commissioner. Donlon, who comes from outside the NYPD, will take over the department's leadership.

Caban announced his resignation just a week after the news broke that his phone had been seized as part of the investigation, which also involves members of Mayor Adams' inner circle. In an email to the police department, obtained by The Associated Press, Caban said he decided to step down because the "news around recent developments" had become "a distraction for our department." He emphasized his commitment to focusing on the important work of the NYPD and the safety of its members.

It is not yet clear who will permanently replace Caban. Requests for comment from the police department went unanswered.

Caban’s resignation comes as part of a broader federal investigation. Alongside Caban, several other city officials, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, had their electronic devices seized last week. Sources familiar with the case, who requested anonymity, indicated that the investigation is led by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, but the exact focus of the probe remains unclear.

James Caban, Edward’s twin brother, is also reportedly under investigation. James runs a nightclub security company, and federal authorities are looking into his business dealings as part of the broader inquiry.

Edward Caban, 57, served as police commissioner for about 15 months and was the first Puerto Rican to lead the NYPD. Before his appointment as commissioner, he held various positions within the department, rising through the ranks since joining in 1991. He succeeded Keechant Sewell, the first woman to lead the NYPD, who resigned after 18 months amid rumors that she lacked full control over the department.

In recent months, Caban faced criticism for his handling of officer discipline, including his decision not to pursue internal action against officers involved in the 2019 fatal shooting of Kawaski Trawick. He also upheld a ruling to dismiss a disciplinary case against Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, accused of interfering in the arrest of a retired officer.

The NYPD reported a decline in some crimes, such as murder, burglary, and grand larceny, from January to September 2024, but saw increases in hate crimes and rapes during the same period.

Despite the ongoing federal investigations, neither Adams nor any city officials have been formally accused of any crimes. Mayor Adams, who was subpoenaed in July, has denied any wrongdoing and stated that the increased federal scrutiny has "raised a lot of questions and concerns."