Federal authorities have reportedly seized additional phones and conducted interviews with police officials as part of an ongoing corruption investigation in New York City, according to sources.
Federal authorities have intensified their investigation into potential corruption within the New York City government. According to sources familiar with the matter, police officials were interviewed at a building adjacent to police headquarters, and additional phones were seized by the authorities.
The situation has intensified following the confirmation that the investigation has extended to individuals close to New York Mayor Eric Adams.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have chosen to keep the specifics of their investigation under wraps, however, sources have indicated that they are looking into city contracts and the enforcement of regulations pertaining to bars and clubs.
Adams firmly stated that he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing within his administration and expressed his commitment to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
“I say over and over again, as a former member of law enforcement, I’m very clear. We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed and it just really would be inappropriate to get in the way of the review while it’s taking place,” Adams said in an interview with CBS New York. “I am not aware of any misdoings and I’m going to, again, follow the rules and I will continue to tell the team to do that. And that’s what they have been doing, to my knowledge.”
The mayor is not believed to be a target, according to Adams’ chief counsel. No charges have been filed.
Federal agents conducted searches at the residences of Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks this week. Phones belonging to Police Commissioner Edward Caban and other NYPD officials were also seized by federal authorities. According to sources, investigators have reportedly requested the phones of more police officials, including precinct commanders in Manhattan.
Caban’s family is well-connected in the nightlife scene. Richard Caban, a former NYPD lieutenant, was the owner of a Bronx restaurant called Con Sofrito, which is no longer in operation. James Caban, a former NYPD sergeant, owned a Bronx apartment building that used to have a bar called Twins on the first floor.
According to sources, Timothy Pearson, a retired NYPD inspector and close adviser to the mayor, had his phone subpoenaed. He is employed by the city’s Economic Development Corporation and has a diverse range of responsibilities within the administration.
Law enforcement actions this week seem to be unrelated to the ongoing investigation conducted by the same federal prosecutors regarding fundraising in the 2021 mayoral election and the potential influence of the Turkish government.
