NEW YORK — Another scandal is rocking the New York City Police Department.
Jeffrey Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the departmentresigned Friday night after an explosive allegation of sexual misconduct at work.
The former department head is accused of exchanging sexual favors for overtime.
Learn more about the allegations here
Lt. Quathisha Epps filed a complaint Saturday with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, saying the abuse began 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 arrest and frisk. Meanwhile, a great shake was developing. Epps alleges that between June 2023 and Monday, Maddrey engaged in efforts “to coerce her into performing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities.”
He says this included sex in the office.
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According to publicly available payroll data, Epps took home a salary of more than $164,000 last year, but after accounting for overtime, he took home more than $400,000.
After she rebuffed his advances in October, she says Maddrey retaliated by “orchestrating an intentionally manipulated monthly overtime report,” which led to “an open criminal and internal investigation against her.”
His attorney adds, “Systemic failures within the NYPD allowed Chief Maddrey’s predatory behavior to continue unchecked, culminating in his promotion to the department’s highest uniform position by Mayor Eric Adams, despite a well-documented history of misconduct and abuse of power.”
Adams’ office issued a statement saying, “We are deeply disturbed by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with the police commissioner. [Jessica] Tisch, as the NYPD, conducts a separate department-wide review to ensure no high-ranking officers use their power inappropriately. We will refrain from further comment to avoid jeopardizing any 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 allegations that allegedly occurred at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan. We are investigating,” said a spokesman for the Manhattan DA’s office.
NYPD Commissioner Appoints Interim Chiefs
Following Maddrey’s resignation, 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 keep New Yorkers safe, 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 confidence.”
Maddrey was a patrol chief before then-Commissioner Keechant Sewell named him department head.