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Federal investigators search ex-NYC Sheriff Anthony Miranda's home, device in Puerto Rico
By
Charles Lane
Published Jul 16, 2026
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Courtesy Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Charles Lane
Published Jul 16, 2026
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Federal investigators searched the home of former New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda on Thursday morning as part of an ongoing federal investigation, according to city officials and a law enforcement official.
Investigators also searched a personal electronic device belonging to Miranda while he was in Puerto Rico, a law enforcement official said. The official asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly about ongoing investigations.
The searches are the clearest public sign yet that scrutiny of Miranda has moved from City Hall and Department of Investigation inquiries into a federal criminal investigation.
Miranda, who was appointed under former Mayor Eric Adams, served as sheriff until Mayor Zohran Mamdani removed him from the post in May. He was replaced by Edwin Raymond.
Before leaving office, Miranda had become the focus of multiple investigations tied to the city's crackdown on unlicensed cannabis shops. Those included a Department of Investigation inquiry into unvouchered cash discovered at the sheriff's Long Island City headquarters, a City Council investigation into cash seizures during cannabis enforcement raids and a reported pay-to-play investigation involving the National Latino Officers Association, which Miranda chaired.
City Hall confirmed it was aware of the federal investigation.
"Our administration is aware of the federal investigation into the former sheriff," Sam Raskin, a spokesperson for Mamdani, said in a statement. "This administration is committed to transparency and accountability. We will await any findings and conclusions as the legal process runs its course."
The U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York declined to comment. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Department of Investigation declined to comment.
Calls and messages seeking comment from Miranda were not immediately returned.
The city investigations centered on "Operation Padlock to Protect," the Adams administration's campaign to shut down unlicensed cannabis stores. The city closed more than 750 shops during the crackdown.
Miranda testified before the City Council in September 2024 that his deputies were not seizing cash during those enforcement operations. But attorneys representing cannabis businesses and sheriff's deputies disputed that account, saying deputies had taken cash from stores during raids.
Later that month, Department of Investigation investigators searched the sheriff's headquarters after city officials reported finding approximately $100,000 in unvouchered cash inside office safes. At the time, City Hall said Miranda reported the cash to the Department of Finance, which referred the matter to DOI.
Adams repeatedly defended Miranda during the earlier controversies, saying he had confidence in the sheriff despite the investigations.
Tagged
Politics
new york city
public safety
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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