Craig Carton Resigns From WFAN Radio

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Craig Carton has resigned from the "Boomer and Carton" radio show on WFAN amid fraud charges and an investigation into a "Ponzi-like" ticket scheme he allegedly helped run that bilked investors out of millions of dollars.

Carton released a statement on Twitter Wednesday, saying:

"Unfortunately, the unfounded legal issues currently plaguing me will only be a distraction to everyone at WFAN and the show I helped build. With that in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the station and they accepted. I am sad to see this chapter of my life close but know that it will allow me to focus on my family, my well-being and clearing my name, while giving the show the best opportunity to succeed without further disruption."

Carton and a Bergen County man are accused of defrauding investors out of millions of dollars by running a "Ponzi-like" ticket scheme to pay their personal debts, authorities previously said. They were arrested Sept. 6. CBS Radio suspended Carton that same day.

Carton's long-time co-host Boomer Esiason addressed Carton's resignation Thursday on the now re-branded "The Morning Show With Boomer." Esiason said he thought "it was a good move for Craig. By resigning he takes a lot of pressure off all of us here at WFAN."

Carton, 48, Michael Wright, 41, of Upper Saddle River, and another person were charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and conspiracy in connection with the ticket scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office for New York's Southern District previously said in a statement. The three allegedly used the millions they fleeced investors out of to pay off personal debts, including some to casinos.

Carton thanked his listeners for making him a part of their daily routines.

"I hope they can respect the fact that as much as I want to talk about the allegations against me I can't at this time. There will come a time when I will be able to speak directly about the case and I hope our listeners will be there," Carton said in the statement. "From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank my family, friends, listeners and especially the executives at WFAN and CBS Radio for their continued understanding and for giving me the most amazing platform to do what I love to do the most, besides being with my family."

RELATED: Craig Carton Proclaims Innocence, Says Fight Against Fraud Charges 'Has Only Just Begun'

RELATED: Bergen Man, N.Y. Radio Host Accused Of Running Ponzi Scheme To Pay Debts

RELATED: Craig Carton Suspended From WFAN Radio Show Following Arrest

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Photo: In this Aug. 30, 2012 photo, Craig Carton talks during the National Football League Back to Football Run at Central Park in New York. Federal officials said the New York sports radio host is in custody and details of the charges against the host of WFAN-AM’s “Boomer and Carton” show were not immediately made public Wednesday. (John Minchillo/AP Images for NFL/Associated Press)