Former Police Officer Under Investigation for Alleged Role as Fixer in NYC Restaurants and Nightclubs
ICARO Media Group
In a shocking development, federal investigators have launched a probe into James Caban, a former police officer and twin brother of New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban. The investigation revolves around allegations that Caban worked as a "fixer" for upscale restaurants and nightclubs across the city, according to sources cited in a report by the New York Post.
It is reported that Caban, 56, provided consulting services to prominent Manhattan hotspots, including Marquee and PhD, both owned by the TAO Hospitality Group. Additionally, he allegedly lent his expertise to Creatures at Selina Rooftop in Chelsea, a venue that has faced over 150 complaints related to excessive noise over the past two years, as revealed by public records.
According to sources, Caban's role as a "fixer" involved intervening when the establishments faced citations for noise violations or complaints of underage drinking. He would then leverage his connections within the police department and personally visit the local precinct heads to mitigate the consequences faced by the businesses involved. Remarkably, some of these precinct heads are reportedly under federal investigation themselves.
The investigation took a significant turn on Wednesday when the FBI conducted raids on the homes of both James Caban and his brother, Commissioner Edward Caban, along with other high-ranking officials, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, and former NYPD official Timothy Pearson. The raids resulted in the seizure of electronic devices belonging to the individuals, who had been issued subpoenas as part of a broader corruption investigation related to influence peddling.
As part of the ongoing investigation into James Caban, authorities are scrutinizing police reports relating to Manhattan bars and restaurants, as well as examining emails sent by NYPD officials. The aim is to ascertain whether complaints were handled appropriately, raising concerns about potential impropriety within the police department.
James Caban's alleged involvement with these establishments appears to have started when his brother served as the first deputy commissioner under then-NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. Sources suggest that Caban capitalized on his familial connection and pending promotion as police commissioner to offer his services to officers working at concerts in Manhattan.
Public records indicate a troubled past for James Caban during his time as a police officer. Multiple complaints and allegations led to his departure from the NYPD in January 2001. He faced substantiated charges relating to allegations of excessive force and abuse of authority in 1996. Despite these incidents, Caban managed to ascend to the rank of sergeant before being ultimately dismissed for wrongfully detaining and threatening a cab driver, whom he suspected of stealing from his wife's purse.
Following his departure from the NYPD, Caban purchased an apartment building in the Bronx. However, his tenure as a landlord was tarnished, earning him a notorious spot on the city's list of worst landlords in August 2013. A few months later, he served a 30-day jail sentence for neglecting to address over 300 property violations and necessary repairs.
In response to these revelations, Fox News Digital reached out to various parties implicated in the investigation, including Edward Caban, Mayor Eric Adams' office, TAO Hospitality Group, and Creatures at Selina Rooftop. At the time of writing, no responses have been received. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) stated that it is fully cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York in their ongoing investigation.
The allegations against James Caban shed light on potential misconduct within the ranks of the NYPD and raise questions about the integrity of law enforcement in one of the world's most iconic cities. As the investigation unfolds, the consequences for those involved could be far-reaching, marking a significant chapter in the fight against corruption within the criminal justice system.