NYC Mayor's Office Staffer Allegedly Offered 'Shakedown' to Coney Island Bar Owner: 'You Gonna Get Shut Down'

NYC Mayor's Office Staffer Allegedly Offered 'Shakedown' to Coney Island Bar Owner: 'You Gonna Get Shut Down'

A Coney Island bar owner has come forward with allegations that a staffer in the Mayor's Office of Entertainment and Nightlife pressured him to pay the NYPD commissioner's brother to avoid issues with the police.

Shamel Kelly, owner of the "Juice and Moore Bar" on Mermaid Avenue, says he was told by associate director Ray Martin that his problems with the NYPD could be resolved if he hired and paid the police commissioner's brother, James Caban.

Kelly alleges that Caban demanded $2,500 upfront to help with his NYPD issues, which he claims included excessive police visits to his bar despite no pending charges or wrongdoing.

Kelly says he was also advised by Martin to close his business or pay Caban, leading him to feel like he was being extorted. He ultimately refused Caban's offer.

Caban, an ex-cop and twin brother of former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming his actions as a consultant and liaison were legal.

However, Kelly claims phone records and text messages from August 2023 confirm communication with Martin and Caban regarding the issue, including a text from Martin urging Kelly to call Caban.

Following a federal investigation into the NYPD's nightlife enforcement practices, Edward Caban resigned as commissioner on Thursday, citing the "noise around recent developments" as a hindrance to the NYPD's work.

While Caban's attorneys stated he is not a target of the investigation, Kelly's allegations have sparked an internal review within the Mayor's Office, leading to the termination of Martin for violating employment terms.

Kelly's story has drawn attention to potential corruption within the NYPD and city hall, highlighting concerns about potential influence peddling and abuse of power.

The Department of Investigation (DOI) and federal authorities are currently investigating these claims.

The allegations come amidst a larger federal investigation into the NYPD's nightlife enforcement practices.