The New York Police Department’s top uniformed officer, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, has resigned following allegations that he demanded sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for overtime opportunities.
Maddrey’s resignation was announced Friday night by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and took effect immediately... Continue reading here ▶
Leadership Shake-Up
In the wake of Maddrey’s departure, John Chell, the NYPD’s chief of patrol, will step in as interim chief of department. Philip Rivera will take over Chell’s former role as head of the patrol division. Commissioner Tisch stated that the department is committed to investigating allegations of sexual misconduct thoroughly.
The Allegations
The accusations against Maddrey were brought by Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, who claims he coerced her into unwanted sexual favors under a “quid pro quo” arrangement for overtime opportunities. Epps, who worked in Maddrey’s office, alleged that when she resisted his advances, Maddrey retaliated by accusing her of overtime abuse, leading to a departmental review.
Epps has since filed a formal complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her attorney, Eric Sanders, condemned the NYPD for not acting sooner, stating, “This behavior has been years in the making.”
Epps was the NYPD’s top earner in fiscal year 2024, reportedly making over $400,000, with more than half of that amount coming from overtime pay. Sanders argued that Maddrey and other officials approved all her overtime work.
Fallout and Investigations
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has launched an investigation into the allegations, describing them as “extremely serious and disturbing.” Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, called the claims “alarming” and emphasized the need for a full review.
Maddrey’s attorney, Lambros Lambrou, dismissed the accusations as “meritless,” accusing Epps of making false claims to distract from her own alleged misconduct. He told the New York Post, “She’s obviously drowning and wants to take down as many people as she can.”
A Pattern of Allegations
Maddrey’s resignation comes amid a series of misconduct claims. Captain Gabrielle Walls recently added Maddrey to her own sexual harassment lawsuit, alleging that he frequently tried to kiss her, forcing her to hide in her office.
Walls’ attorney, John Scola, said Maddrey’s resignation “vindicates” his client and called for systemic changes within the NYPD to address harassment and retaliation.
In another case, a former officer accused Maddrey of coercing her into a yearslong affair while he was her supervisor. Though that case was dismissed last month, it added to the growing scrutiny surrounding Maddrey’s behavior.
Maddrey has also faced non-sexual misconduct allegations, including a 2021 incident where he reportedly ordered officers to void the arrest of a retired officer who had worked for him.
A High-Profile Career Ends in Disgrace
Maddrey, who joined the NYPD in 1991 at age 20, quickly climbed the ranks. He became chief of patrol in 2021 and was promoted to chief of department—the NYPD’s highest uniformed position—just last year.
As chief of department, he oversaw crime-fighting strategies, quality-of-life initiatives, and operational plans.
Commissioner Tisch assured New Yorkers that the department remains focused on reducing crime and building public trust. “These roles are critical to keeping our communities safe,” she said.
Calls for Cultural Change
Maddrey’s resignation has intensified calls for reform within the NYPD. “This should mark the beginning of a cultural shift to eliminate harassment and retaliation,” said Scola, the attorney representing Captain Walls.
Source(s): CNN