Craig Carton Quits Radio Show as He Fights Million-Dollar Fraud Charges

Shock jock Craig Carton on Wednesday announced that he was resigning from his job at CBS Radio, where he has co-hosed the "Boomer and Carton" morning sports-stalk show since 2007.

Carton was arrested this month and charged by federal authorities with running a $5.6 million pyramid scheme. Officials said Carton had millions in gambling debt. He had been on leave from the program co-hosted by Boomer Esiason since his bust.

Carton rose to fame as the afternoon host of the "Jersey Guys" on WPG's sister station, New Jersey 101.5.

His attorney has defended Carton as a "victim" and the bombastic host has insisted he is innocent.

His statement Wednesday said "the unfounded legal issues currently plaguing me will only be a distraction" at his workplace.

“I’ve always felt a personal connection to our listeners and want to thank them for making me a part of their daily routine," he said. 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."

Some of Carton's former colleagues at New Jersey 101.5 haven't shied away from addressing the controversy.

Former morning host Jim Gearhart, who now does a weekly podcast, this week described Carton's tenure as a "cancer" on the station. Dennis Malloy, meanwhile, said the news was "not a total shock," but wished him and his family the best.