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 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. 

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