Juice bar owner claims ex-NYPD commissioner’s twin asked for ‘shakedown’ payments
The owner of Juice & Moore Juice Bar in Coney Island appeared with his lawyer Tuesday outside City Hall, alleging that harassment from the NYPD and two people linked to Mayor Eric Adams’ administration forced his business to close.
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The owner of Juice & Moore Juice Bar in Coney Island appeared with his lawyer Tuesday outside City Hall, alleging that harassment from the NYPD and two people linked to Mayor Eric Adams’ administration forced his business to close.
Shamel Kelly says there weren’t any fights or crimes taking place at his establishment on Mermaid Avenue.
“There was just excessive police force and there would be abuse on some of my customers also," he said.
Kelly claims that more than 50 police officers showed up to his business due to "noise complaints."
He was then put into contact with former City Hall staffer Ray Martin by a friend.
“Ray Martin actually walked Mr. Kelly into the lion’s den when he put him in contact with James Caban, the twin brother of former New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban,” said Bernarda Villalona, Kelly’s attorney. "Mr. Caban told him, ‘I can help you with your problems. I can alleviate your issues with NYPD, but you'll have to pay me."
According to Kelly, Caban asked him for an ongoing payment of $2,500. When he refused, Villalona said the NYPD ramped up harassment and illegal searches. They believe that this was not an isolated incident.
"[Kelly is] cooperating in this federal investigation to find out how wide and how long and how many people are involved," said Villalona.
News 12 reached out to the attorney’s for Caban and Martin but did not hear back.
