NYC Mayor Adams Faces Corruption Allegations as Staffer Fired Over Extortion Claim

A staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been fired following allegations of attempting to extort money from a Brooklyn bar owner by leveraging the influence of former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban's twin brother. The incident has led to a growing federal probe into Adams' inner circle.

Allegations and Termination

Ray Martin, the former operations manager in the city’s community affairs unit, was terminated after a bombshell WNBC report detailed how he allegedly tried to broker a deal with James Caban, the twin brother of former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. The purported deal was intended to resolve the bar owner's issues with the NYPD.

The bar owner, Shamel Kelly, who operated the "Juice and Moore Bar" along Mermaid Avenue, claimed that Martin tried to persuade him to hire and pay the police commissioner’s brother in order to receive better treatment and assistance from the NYPD. Kelly reported that he had accumulated numerous noise complaints and was experiencing difficulties with the police, leading him to entertain the alleged offer but ultimately declining it and closing his business in February.

City Hall's Response

In response to the allegations, City Hall stated that they were previously unaware of the claims against Martin until the report surfaced. Following the inquiry, an internal review was initiated, revealing that Martin had violated the terms of his employment. Consequently, he was terminated for cause, with the statement highlighting the city's expectation for employees to act ethically and in the public interest. Due to ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice and Department of Investigation, further comments were not provided.

James Caban's Denial

James Caban's attorneys vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that his work as a consultant and liaison between the department and a private company was entirely legal, considering his prior experience as an NYPD officer. They emphasized his full cooperation with law enforcement and expressed confidence that the truth would emerge once the investigation was concluded, deeming the claims as unfounded and devoid of merit.

Federal Probe and Resignation

The investigation into the alleged extortion has led to a broader federal probe that resulted in the resignation of former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. This resignation followed federal agents serving warrants on Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III and other high-ranking aides, further escalating the scrutiny on Adams' inner circle.

Adams' Response and Cooperation

Mayor Eric Adams has consistently denied any wrongdoing, despite having received a subpoena from federal prosecutors. He and his team have expressed full cooperation with the ongoing investigations, signaling a commitment to transparency and accountability throughout this tumultuous period.

Ray Martin's Alleged Conduct and Internal Review

The alleged conduct of Ray Martin, coupled with the subsequent internal review, prompted swift action from City Hall, culminating in his termination and the acknowledgment of the necessity for ethical conduct among city employees.

The unfolding events surrounding this incident, marked by the termination of Ray Martin, the allegations of extortion, and the subsequent resignation of Edward Caban, exemplify the complexity and challenges facing Mayor Eric Adams' administration.

As the skepticism continues to mount, Mayor Eric Adams' steadfast denial of any improper conduct and his commitment to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations reflect his intention to navigate this turbulent period with transparency and accountability.

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