By Spectrum News Staff and Bobby Cuza New York City
A file image of Philip Banks, Sheena Wright, Tim Pearson and Edward Caban. (NY1 file photo)
POLITICS
UPDATED 10:18 PM ET Sep. 05, 2024PUBLISHED 1:32 PM ET Sep. 05, 2024
Sources tell NY1 that search warrants were executed on Police Commissioner Edward Caban and on Tim Pearson, a top aide to Mayor Eric Adams.
The news comes after sources told NY1 earlier Thursday that the FBI executed raids on the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and of Philip Banks, the city’s deputy mayor for public safety.
Sources tell NY1 federal investigators visited Caban’s house and took his phones, and seized electronic devices from several other NYPD executives.
In a statement provided to NY1 after the news on Banks and Wright was revealed, City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg said, “Investigators have not indicated to us the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation. As a former member of law enforcement, the mayor has repeatedly made clear that all members of the team need to follow the law.”
In a separate statement, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner for public information, Tarik Sheppard, said the department “is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service.”
“The department is fully cooperating in this investigation,” Sheppard said.
Banks, a key decision-maker in police matters, had his Queens home raided by the FBI on Wednesday morning, sources said. That same morning, investigators raided the Manhattan home of Wright, a home she shares with her partner, Schools Chancellor David Banks, who is Phil Banks’ brother.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Adams said, “We are going to follow the rules and comply with any questions that are asked of us.”
Sources tell NY1 these investigations into Adams administration officials are separate from the investigation into the mayor’s 2021 campaign, which concerns donations from individuals with ties to Turkey. That investigation resulted in the mayor’s top campaign fundraiser and others having their homes raided by the FBI last November, and the mayor having his electronic devices seized.