NEW YORK — Yet another scandal is rocking the New York City Police Department.
Jeffrey Maddrey, the department’s highest-ranking uniformed officerresigned Friday evening after an allegation of sexual misconduct at work.
The former department head is accused of trading sexual favors for overtime.
You can read more about the allegations here
Lt. Quathisha Epps filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Saturday, saying the abuse started last year and continued until this week.
Maddrey just appeared before the City Council Public Safety Committee a few days ago to defend the NYPD’s use of stop and frisk. Meanwhile, a great commotion took place. Epps alleges that between June 2023 and Monday, Maddrey made attempts “to coerce her into providing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities.”
She says that included intercourse in the office.
Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
According to publicly available salary data, Epps earned a salary of more than $164,000 last year, but after overtime was factored in, she took home more than $400,000.
After rejecting his advances in October, she says Maddrey retaliated by “orchestrating a deliberately manipulated Monthly Overtime Report,” which resulted in “a criminal and internal investigation against her.”
Her attorney added: “Systemic failures within the NYPD allowed Chief Maddrey’s predatory behavior to continue unchecked, culminating in his promotion to the department’s top uniform position by Mayor Eric Adams, despite a well-documented history of misconduct and abuse of power .”
Adams’ office released a statement saying, “We are deeply troubled by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams works closely with the police commissioner. [Jessica] Tisch, as the NYPD is conducting a separate department-wide review to ensure no high-ranking officer uses their power inappropriately. We will refrain from further comment to avoid jeopardizing either investigation.”
Epps also claims that Maddrey had an inappropriate relationship with another female detective. The allegations have drawn the attention of the city’s Department of Investigation, as well as the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
“These are extremely serious and disturbing claims that allegedly occurred at the NYPD headquarters in Manhattan. We are investigating,” a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney said.
NYPD commissioner appoints interim chiefs
After Maddrey resigned, Tisch Tisch appointed Patrol Chief John Chell as interim department chief and Transportation Chief Philip Rivera was named interim Patrol Chief.
“The NYPD works tirelessly to protect New Yorkers, and these roles are critical to keeping our communities safe,” Tisch said in a statement. “The interim department and patrol chiefs will continue to lead efforts to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust.”
Maddrey was chief of patrol before then-Commissioner Keechant Sewell appointed him department chief.
