NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban’s twin brother pretended to be him on multiple occasions as part of a scheme to influence the oversight of nightlife in Washington Heights, according to a complaint filed by a police lieutenant on Thursday.
Lt. Emelio Rodriques, a 22-year NYPD veteran, filed the complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to allege misconduct among top law enforcement officials in the 34th Precinct, where he previously served as operations coordinator and integrity control officer.
According to the complaint, James Caban—former police officer and 58-year-old twin brother of Edward Caban—maintained an “undisclosed relationship with [Commanding Officer Aneudy Castillo], likely involving financial benefits” that led to their frequent communication regarding law enforcement decisions in Washington Heights.
With Castillo’s help, Rodriques alleges that specific nightclubs and lounges tied to James Caban were “insulated entirely from any law enforcement scrutiny,” regardless of the frequency or severity of the violations. Officers were told to close out 311 requests against the establishments without investigation, the complaint states.
James Caban physically came to the 34th Precinct stationhouse and impersonated his brother numerous times, according to the complaint. He allegedly did this to “exert influence over precinct operations, reinforce his authority, and protect his interests.”
“The CO would always say ‘Caban is coming,’” Rodriques told The New York Post, who first reported the complaint. “We just thought it was the commissioner. I saluted him. Other cops also saluted him.”
According to Rodriques, Castillo and his subordinates facilitated the impersonation, rewarding those who complied with orders with personal favors, and ignoring those who questioned the directives.
Rodriques, a Black Jamaican man, alleges that when he attempted to report or object to misconduct, he faced retaliation and discrimination based on his race and national origin.
He said he was “systematically excluded from professional development opportunities, targeted for retaliatory actions, and denied the same protections afforded to his white and Hispanic colleagues” because he was perceived as a threat to Castillo’s control.
Castillo and Special Operations Lt. Michael Disanto consistently referred to themselves as “the mafia,” the complaint alleges, and followed direction from James Caban to seek future promotion.
Even after the commanding officer placed Rodriques on restrictive duty, he would often use his department connections to intimidate Rodriques, assigned him “meaningless administrative tasks” and took deliberate steps to damage his reputation, according to the complaint.
Between January 2023 and September 2024, Rodriques alleges that he observed selective enforcement, abuse of overtime and special assignments, sexual misconduct and fraudulent activity.
The NYPD did not respond to 1010 WINS’ request for comment on Saturday.
Edward Caban resigned from his position as head of the police force in September, soon after federal investigators seized his phone and electronics. Agents also took devices from about 15 other NYPD members.
Sources at the time told 1010 WINS that the federal investigation is exploring whether James Caban arranged security or protection for certain nightclubs and lounges.
An announcement from Rodriques’ attorneys states that the NYPD has up to 10 days to respond to the allegations, and notes that the case could also be referred to state and local agencies for investigation.