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Interim NYPD head says federal agents searched, took items from his homes
By
David Giambusso
Published Sep 22, 2024
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Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
By
David Giambusso
Published Sep 22, 2024
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Thomas Donlon — who only ten days ago assumed command of the NYPD after Commissioner Edward Caban's resignation amid a federal probe — is now the subject of a federal probe himself, according to a statement issued late Saturday night.
"On Friday, September 20, federal authorities executed search warrants at my residences," Donlon said in a statement issued through the NYPD's public information office. "They took materials that came into my possession approximately 20 years ago and are unrelated to my work with the New York City Police Department."
The admission is the latest in a cascade of federal investigations that have engulfed top aides to Mayor Eric Adams and top NYPD officials. Donlon, himself a former FBI agent, was a rare out-of-department appointment, brought in to lead the NYPD amid growing concerns about agency leadership and credibility.
It is unclear if the probe has any connection to the half-dozen criminal inquiries currently swirling around the mayor, his aides and NYPD brass. Despite the growing number of investigations, neither the mayor nor his aides have been formally accused of a crime.
On the same day Donlon's homes were searched, federal prosecutors issued a subpoena to the city's director of asylum seeker operations, Molly Schaeffer, and visited a building where her parents live, according to surveillance footage provided to Gothamist.
“As we have repeatedly said, we expect all team members to fully comply with any law enforcement inquiry," said Fabien Levy, deputy mayor for communications, in an emailed statement.
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new york city
us attorney's office
crime
nypd
Mayor Eric Adams
Politics
David Giambusso
David is the editor of the Day-of desk. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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