Craig Carton resigns from WFAN position

Radio personality Craig Carton announced his resignation from WFAN on Wednesday following his arrest in a multimillion-dollar ticket fraud Ponzi scheme, according to his publicist.

Craig Carton, pictured at the NJ 101.5 studios in 2005, resigned from WFAN on Wednesday after 10 years at the station.

"For 10 years I've had the great privilege of showing up to work every day at my dream job," Carton's statement read. "... 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 at the station and they accepted."

Carton co-hosted "Boomer and Carton" on the morning on WFAN with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. 

Carton and Upper Saddle River resident Michael Wright were arrested and charged last Wednesday with securities and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit those offenses, said Joon H. Kim, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Carton and Wright were each released on a $500,000 bond. 

MORE:Carton vows to be back 'stronger than ever'

MORE:Carton arrested in multimillion-dollar ticket fraud Ponzi scheme

In his statement, Carton said he has "nothing but love" for his co-host and the radio station. He said he always tried to represent them in the best possible light and that while he's sad to see this chapter of his life close, he will now focus on his family, his well-being and clearing his name.

"I've always felt a personal connection to our listeners and want to thank them for making me a part of their daily routine," Carton stated. "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."

Various co-hosts have filled in for Carton on the show with Esiason including Phil Simms and Jerry Reco. In another statement, CBS said the search for Carton's replacement will begin immediately. 

"We appreciate all of [Carton's] contributions over the last decade and wish him and his family well during this next phase," CBS stated. "We are especially grateful to our dedicated employees, sponsors and listeners for their continued support of THE FAN."

Carton has hosted his talk-radio show with Esiason on WFAN since 2007. It is also simulcast on CBS Sports Network TV. CBS owns WFAN.

Carton graduated from New Rochelle High School in New York and has remained active in city events. He hosts an annual celebrity softball game in the city to raise money for local parks and recreation programs.

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com