Raymond sworn in as new city sheriff

Edwin Raymond was sworn in Monday as the next sheriff of New York City.  Photo via Sheriff’s Department/X

By Ryan Schwach

There is a new sheriff in town after Edwin Raymond was sworn into the role on Monday.

Raymond, a former NYPD lieutenant and police whistleblower, took over the civil law enforcement agency from Anthony Miranda, whose home was raided by federal investigators earlier this month as part of an alleged investigation into his time leading the office.

“I’ve waited a long time to say this and for it to actually make sense: There is a new sheriff in town,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who appointed Raymond. “Sheriff Raymond is a man who has dedicated himself not only to protecting the safety of the people of New York City but [also] to bettering the institutions tasked with that work.”

“I can think of no one better to serve as the sheriff of the City of New York,” added the mayor.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Raymond spent 15 years as an NYPD officer, and sued the department over summons and arrest quotas, arguing they were unconstitutional.

He became the first social justice liaison under New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who swore Raymond in at CUNY Brooklyn College on Monday.

“Sheriff Edwin Raymond understands that public safety requires public trust, and he has always fought for the transparency and accountability our communities deserve,” James said. “I know that he will serve our city with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice.”

Raymond said the job is one he will not take lightly.

“Throughout my career, I have been committed to public service and to strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the people we serve,” he said. “As Sheriff, I will continue to lead with integrity, accountability, and fairness, and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated professionals of the Sheriff's Office to serve and protect all New Yorkers.”

The sheriff serves under the Department of Finance, and oversees legal processes and mandates, including matters involving judiciary law, civil practice law and real property actions. The sheriff is also responsible for seizures of money and property pursuant to warrants and court orders, as well as enforcing mental hygiene warrants, tax laws and laws related to unlicensed cannabis enforcement.

Raymond’s appointment as sheriff came just a few weeks after his predecessor, Miranda, had his Queens home raided by federal and city investigators as part of a potential corruption probe.

Miranda’s tenure as sheriff, a job he was given by former friend and ally Mayor Eric Adams, was scarred by controversy.

In 2024, during the height of the department’s crackdown on illegal smoke shops, the sheriff’s office was investigated by the Department of Investigation for allegedly improperly seizing evidence found at the shops.

Investigators found unaccounted for cash inside safes at the sheriff’s office in Long Island City.

He has also been ridiculed by the union representing sheriff deputies, who said they had been “marginalized, demonized and retaliated,” under his rule of the department.

On Monday, the union said that Raymond is a “breath of fresh air.”

“We look forward to continue collaborating with him as we work together to make New York City safer for everyone,” said Ingrid Simonovic, president of the union.