Feds Execute Search Warrants on NYC’s Interim Police Commissioner

In a surprising turn of events, just over a week after stepping into the role, interim New York City Police Commissioner Tom Donlon confirmed on Saturday that federal agents executed search warrants at several of his residences.

According to a statement provided to CBS News, Donlon disclosed that “federal authorities” carried out the search warrants on Friday. In his statement, he claimed that the agents seized materials that he had acquired approximately two decades ago and asserted that these items were unrelated to his current position within the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Donlon also made it clear that the NYPD would not comment on the situation, stating that it was “not a department matter.” His announcement comes on the heels of the resignation of his predecessor, Edward Caban, who left his position on September 12, only a week after news broke of Caban’s phone being confiscated as part of a federal investigation involving individuals from Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle.

Caban, who led the NYPD for around 15 months, stated in an email to his staff that he chose to resign due to the “distraction” caused by the unfolding news surrounding the recent developments. He expressed his desire to eliminate any distractions within the department.

Prior to taking the helm at the NYPD, Donlon served as the chief of the FBI’s National Threat Center and once directed the Office of Homeland Security in New York. In 2020, he established his own security firm. His extensive law enforcement background includes key roles in investigating the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings, and the USS Cole bombing.

Caban’s resignation marked a significant moment in the Adams administration as it was the first high-profile departure following the seizure of phones on September 4 from several members of the mayor’s inner circle. This group included two deputy mayors, the schools chancellor, and one of Adams’ top advisors.

The federal investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, remains shrouded in uncertainty, as the specific subject of the inquiry is not publicly known. There is also ambiguity regarding whether the authorities are pursuing information related to a specific investigation or multiple cases.

Moreover, the investigation extends to Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, who is a former NYPD sergeant and operates a nightclub security business. A source familiar with the matter disclosed to the Associated Press that James Caban is also under investigation, but details surrounding that inquiry remain confidential.

James Caban’s past includes termination from the NYPD in 2001 for his involvement in an incident where he illegally detained a cab driver he accused of theft.

Reports indicate that other officials whose devices were recently confiscated include First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Philip Banks, the deputy mayor for public safety, David Banks, the chancellor of New York City Schools, and Timothy Pearson, a mayoral advisor and former high-ranking official within the NYPD. Sources noted that those familiar with this situation spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.

Mayor Adams, a first-term Democrat, was previously subpoenaed in July. This subpoena came eight months after federal agents seized his cell phones and an iPad while he was departing an event in Manhattan. Despite the ongoing investigations, federal authorities have not made any public accusations against Adams or any affiliated officials, and he has consistently denied any misconduct.

It’s noteworthy that the investigation resulting in the seizure of Edward Caban’s devices is not considered related to a previous investigation that led to the confiscation of Adams’ devices last November, according to several people with knowledge of the matters.

Edward Caban made history as the first Latino to lead the 179-year-old NYPD. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, he served as the department’s second-in-command. His appointment followed Keechant Sewell’s tenure, during which she became the first woman to lead the force but resigned 18 months into her term amidst speculation regarding her level of authority.