Feds seize phones, question police in NYC corruption investigation: Sources

Federal authorities have intensified their investigation into potential corruption within New York City government, conducting interviews with police officials at a site adjacent to police headquarters and confiscating additional phones, as reported by sources familiar with the matter.

This escalation in the inquiry comes just a day after it was revealed that the investigation has reached into the inner circle of New York Mayor Eric Adams.

While federal prosecutors in Manhattan have not released specific details about the focus of their investigation, sources indicate that one area of interest involves city contracts. Another aspect appears to be related to the enforcement of regulations concerning bars and nightclubs.

Mayor Adams asserted on Thursday that he was unaware of any wrongdoing within his administration and vowed to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. “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,” Adams stated during an interview with CBS New York. He emphasized the importance of not obstructing the examination process.

He reiterated, “I am not aware of any misdoings and I will continue to tell the team to do that. And that’s what they have been doing, to my knowledge.”

Moreover, Adams’ chief counsel indicated that the mayor is not expected to be a target in this investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time. This week, federal agents executed searches at the homes of several key figures, including Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks. The authorities also seized phones belonging to Police Commissioner Edward Caban and various other NYPD officials.

On Friday, sources mentioned that investigators sought to obtain the phones of additional police officials, including precinct commanders in Manhattan.

Edward Caban, who was sworn in as NYPD police commissioner in July, has a family history linked to nightlife. His family connections include Richard Caban, a former NYPD lieutenant who once owned a Bronx restaurant that has since closed. Additionally, Caban’s twin brother, James, a former NYPD sergeant, previously owned a Bronx apartment building that housed a bar on the ground level named Twins.

Timothy Pearson, a close advisor to Mayor Adams and a retired NYPD inspector, also had his phone subpoenaed during this investigation. Although he works for the city’s Economic Development Corporation, Pearson holds a variety of responsibilities within the administration.

The recent actions taken by law enforcement appear to be separate from a continuing investigation led by the same federal prosecutors regarding fundraising efforts related to the 2021 mayoral election, alongside inquiries into the possible influence of the Turkish government.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Mayor Adams and his administration could widen, depending on the findings of federal authorities.

The situation remains dynamic, with the potential for further developments as officials navigate the complexities of these inquiries into the city’s governance.