By Joseph De Avila and James Fanelli
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned after becoming embroiled in one of several federal investigations that have swirled around the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Caban's future has been in question recently after news broke last week that agents seized his phone. He hasn't been accused of wrongdoing.
"The noise around recent developments has made that impossible and has hindered the important work our city requires," Caban said in a statement Thursday. "I have therefore decided it is in the best interest of the Department that I resign as Commissioner."
Adams named Thomas Donlon, who has served in several roles in federal law enforcement, as interim police commissioner.
Caban began his career with the NYPD in 1991, patrolling the South Bronx. He rose through the ranks over the years. In July 2023 Adams, a Democrat, appointed Caban to the position of commissioner, making him the head of the nation's largest police department and the first Latino to lead the force.
Caban has been informed by investigators that he is not the target of any investigation led by the Southern District of New York, according to Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, attorneys for Caban. He expects to cooperate fully with the government, they said.
A representative for the Southern District didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Adams continued to defend Caban in recent days, saying he tapped him for the police commissioner job because of his 30 years of experience in law enforcement.
Adams acknowledged the federal investigations during brief remarks he made Thursday announcing Caban's resignation.
"I was as surprised as you to learn of these inquiries, and I take them extremely seriously," Adams said. "I spent more than 20 years in law enforcement. And so every member of the administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law."
Adams said members of administration will remain focused on their jobs despite the federal investigations.
Write to Joseph De Avila at joseph.deavila@wsj.com and James Fanelli at james.fanelli@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 12, 2024 13:19 ET (17:19 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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