You have the right to remain silent, a local police union is reminding its members as the federal investigation surrounding City Hall and the NYPD continues.
The Detectives Endowment Association is advising its members that they do not need to speak to federal agents involved in the investigation of former police chief Edward Caban and his twin brother James.
“As most members of Congress know, the U.S. Attorney's Office… [is] “We are carrying out an ongoing criminal investigation involving former PC Edward Cavan and his brother James Cavan.” On Thursday, the union posted a message on its website..
“Officials visit members' homes early in the morning and issue subpoenas and search warrants.”
“Members and representatives must understand that they have an absolute right not to speak to agents or answer questions and that doing so may subject them to criminal prosecution. [under] False Statements Act. ”
Instead, police should “simply accept the request, inform the investigator that the attorney is representing them, and have them contact the person designated to represent the attorney.” [assistant US attorney]” was written.
The message comes in the wake of frequent federal raids, the arrival of subpoenas and a rapid-fire investigation of a series of city officials by the Southern District of New York.
Kavan resigned last month after his cellphone was seized in a corruption investigation into possible influence trafficking.
He has not been charged with a crime.
The post also asks union representatives not to have “substantive conversations” with members who have been visited by federal authorities. This is because union members could become witnesses in investigations.
“Our attorneys will be speaking with our members to determine next steps.”
“The scope of the investigation and exactly who is targeted remains unclear,” the message said.
This comes as the federal government continues to tighten its grip on Adams, his top aides and key lieutenants, so tight in fact that last month he himself became the first New York mayor to be indicted on corruption and bribery charges. Ta.
Prosecutors say the embattled Democrat received numerous inappropriate gifts from Turkish officials and businessmen, including $123,000 in free hotel nights and free or deeply discounted airline tickets. That's what it means.
Prosecutors allege he also fraudulently received more than $10 million in campaign funds.
In return, Mr. Adams allegedly offered favors to his patrons, including pressuring Big Apple officials to waive fire inspections and push for approval of the vast Turkish consulate in Manhattan, the indictment alleges. states.
Many of his trusted advisers and executives, including Mr. Caban, Schools Principal David Banks, former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and former Deputy Public Safety Mayor Phil Banks, have either defected from the administration or are facing mounting scandals. was expelled. A few others.
Federal authorities searched each house, but no one has been charged except for Adams and Mohamed Bahi, a recently ousted City Hall employee on charges of witness tampering and destroying evidence.
