Interim NYC Police Chief’s Residences Searched in Expansive Probe

Documents and binder labeled "Investigations" on desk.

The federal search of NYC’s new interim police commissioner’s homes has unleashed further scrutiny amid an already tense investigation.

At a Glance

  • Federal authorities searched Thomas Donlon’s homes, the interim police commissioner of NYC.
  • Incriminating documents unrelated to Donlon’s police career were seized during the search.
  • The search is part of a broader investigation involving Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
  • Previous commissioner Edward Caban resigned due to federal probes, paving the way for Donlon.

Federal Search Targeting Donlon

Federal agents searched the homes of Thomas Donlon, who recently assumed the role of interim police commissioner of New York City. Authorities confiscated materials dating back approximately 20 years that were reportedly irrelevant to Donlon’s duties in law enforcement. The search came as part of broader federal investigations plaguing several members of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

Details about the agency conducting the search have not been revealed by Donlon, but the investigation forms part of a series of federal inquiries that have also ensnared other officials close to the mayor. According to statements, Donlon has publicly acknowledged that the materials seized were “unrelated” to his tenure with the New York Police Department.

Broader Context of Investigations

This latest development marks another chapter in a series of federal investigations wreaking havoc within Mayor Adams’ administration. Just before Donlon’s appointment, his predecessor, Edward Caban, resigned amid an intense federal raid that involved the seizure of his electronic devices. On top of these incidents, several other top-tier city officials have been targets of federal scrutiny for varying allegations, from campaign corruption to irregularities in migrant contracts.

Recent news reports on the probe have “created a distraction” among his department, admitted Edward Caban in his resignation letter. He further noted, “I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City.”

Federal agents have also previously executed similar searches on properties tied to Adams’ director of Asian affairs, Winnie Greco, and several other administrative officials. To date, no charges have been brought against Donlon or any of the other officials targeted by these searches.

Mayor’s Response

Mayor Eric Adams has maintained confidence in his administration amidst the investigations. He expressed full support for his team, stating that officials are expected to comply fully with any ongoing inquiries. Fabien Levy, the city’s deputy mayor for communications, emphasized: “As we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry.”

“This is not a department matter, and the department will not be commenting,” Donlon stated. The statement did not mention the scope of the investigation, which federal entities were involved, or what had been seized.

Investigations into the administration are expanding, with wide-reaching tentacles that implicate many of Adams’ top aides and highlight substantial unsettled issues within the city government. With Donlon’s appointment as an interim police commissioner, Mayor Adams seems to focus on stabilizing the police department amid the turbulent times.

Sources:

  1. NYPD’s interim commissioner says federal authorities seized materials from his homes
  2. Top officials in NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ administration under investigation. Here’s who’s who.
  3. Police Commissioner Resigns as Investigations Batter Adams’s Circle

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