NEW YORK (WPIX) — New York Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban is expected to step down Thursday amid a federal investigation involving alleged corruption.
Caban said he decided to resign after the “news around recent developments” had “created a distraction for our department,” according to an email to the police department obtained by The Associated Press.
“I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD,” he added.
Last week, federal officials seized phones from Caban and two NYPD lieutenants who worked in the commissioner’s office and on his detail, sources told Nexstar’s WPIX. A lieutenant’s phone in the 10th Precinct was also confiscated.
Federal authorities also requested phones from NYPD Chief of Staff Raul Pintos and two precinct commanders in Queens and Manhattan, according to sources.
Sources said none of the officials are being questioned, but the NYPD has been asked to isolate emails from high-ranking executives.
The subject of the investigation, which is being led by U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, remains unclear. It was not immediately clear whether federal authorities were seeking information linked to one investigation or several.
In July 2023, Caban became the first Hispanic person to hold the position of police commissioner of the NYPD.
Caban started his NYPD career in 1991, patrolling in the South Bronx. In 2022, Caban was the NYPD’s first deputy commissioner, according to NYC.gov. His father and three brothers were also in the NYPD.
It was not immediately clear who will replace Caban as police commissioner. Inquiries to the police department were not returned.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.