Top NYPD Officer Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Top NYPD Officer Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey has resigned following allegations he coerced sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for overtime opportunities. The accuser, Lt. Quathisha Epps, has filed a federal complaint citing harassment and retaliation. Interim leadership has been announced as the NYPD launches a full investigation into the matter.

NYPD Sexual Misconduct Scandal: Quick Looks

• Top Resignation: Chief Jeffrey Maddrey steps down amidst sexual misconduct allegations.
• Accusations Filed: Lt. Quathisha Epps claims Maddrey coerced sexual favors for workplace benefits.
• Retaliation Alleged: Epps states Maddrey retaliated against her, resulting in suspension without pay.
• Interim Leaders: John Chell appointed interim Chief of Department; Philip Rivera replaces Chell as Chief of Patrol.
• Investigation Launched: NYPD commits to a thorough review of the allegations against Maddrey.
• Previous Allegations: Maddrey has faced other misconduct claims, some dismissed in court.
• Mayor Speaks Out: Eric Adams calls the accusations “extremely concerning” and confirms departmental review.
• Systemic Failures: Calls for reform grow louder as the case highlights broader NYPD issues.

Deep Look

Jeffrey Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the New York Police Department, resigned Friday night amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Maddrey, who served as Chief of Department, is accused of coercing sexual favors from Lt. Quathisha Epps in exchange for access to lucrative overtime opportunities. The resignation, effective immediately, was confirmed by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch in a statement Saturday, marking a dramatic turn for one of the NYPD’s most senior officials.

Federal Complaint Filed by Accuser

Lt. Epps filed a federal complaint Saturday with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleging “quid pro quo sexual harassment.” She claims Maddrey used his position to pressure her into unwanted sexual favors, retaliating against her when she resisted. According to Epps, Maddrey accused her of overtime abuse, prompting the department to suspend her without pay even after she submitted her retirement notice earlier this week.

Epps’ attorney, Eric Sanders, criticized the department’s handling of the situation, describing Maddrey’s resignation as “long overdue.” “This kind of behavior has been years in the making,” Sanders said. “It’s no shock to anyone familiar with how things operate in the NYPD.”

Epps, an administrative officer in Maddrey’s office, was reportedly the NYPD’s top earner in fiscal year 2024, earning over $400,000—more than half of it in overtime pay. Sanders clarified that any overtime worked by Epps was approved by Maddrey and other department officials.

NYPD Leadership Transition

In the wake of Maddrey’s resignation, John Chell, the department’s Chief of Patrol, has been appointed interim Chief of Department. Philip Rivera will assume Chell’s former position as Chief of Patrol, overseeing the NYPD’s largest bureau of 15,000 uniformed officers and 3,000 civilian employees.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the critical nature of these leadership roles. “The NYPD works tirelessly to protect New Yorkers, and these roles are critical to keeping our communities safe,” she stated. Tisch assured the public that the department is conducting a thorough review of the allegations.

Broader Implications for the NYPD

Maddrey’s resignation is the latest in a series of controversies involving the NYPD. Earlier this year, Maddrey faced disciplinary proceedings for ordering officers to void the arrest of a retired officer who had previously worked for him. Although the case was dropped, it added to questions about his judgment.

Maddrey has also faced other sexual misconduct allegations. A former NYPD officer claimed Maddrey coerced her into a yearslong affair while he was her supervisor. That case was dismissed by a state judge last month. Additionally, a police captain has accused Maddrey of making repeated unwanted advances.

Mayor Adams and Public Reactions

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former NYPD captain, called the allegations against Maddrey “extremely concerning and alarming” during an unrelated event Saturday. Adams confirmed that the department is conducting a full review and expressed confidence in interim leadership.

Maddrey’s attorney, Lambros Lambrou, dismissed the allegations as “completely meritless,” accusing Epps of trying to deflect attention from her own alleged misconduct. “She’s obviously drowning and wants to take down as many people as she can,” Lambrou said.

Sanders countered these claims, emphasizing that Maddrey and other department officials approved Epps’ overtime. “This is a classic example of retaliation against someone who stood up to abuse,” he said.

Systemic Issues and Calls for Reform

The case has reignited calls for reforms within the NYPD to address systemic issues of abuse, harassment, and retaliation. “Ms. Epps has endured profound harm at the hands of individuals who exploited their positions of power,” Sanders said. He called for immediate changes to prevent similar cases in the future and to ensure accountability within the department.

Critics have pointed to the NYPD’s handling of prior misconduct cases as evidence of a culture that tolerates abuse of power. Maddrey’s resignation, while significant, is seen by many as only the first step toward addressing deeper structural problems within the department.

Maddrey’s Career Highlights and Controversies

Maddrey began his NYPD career in 1991 at the age of 20, quickly rising through the ranks. In 2021, he was appointed Chief of Patrol, and by December 2022, he became Chief of Department, overseeing crime-fighting strategies, operational plans, and quality-of-life initiatives for the city.

His tenure has been marked by both accolades and controversies. While Maddrey was instrumental in shaping crime-reduction strategies, his leadership has been overshadowed by allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.

The Path Forward for the NYPD

The resignation of a top official like Maddrey presents both challenges and opportunities for the NYPD. Interim leadership faces the dual task of restoring public trust while addressing internal issues of misconduct and accountability.

As investigations into Maddrey’s actions continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in public institutions. Calls for systemic reform are growing louder, with advocates demanding stronger mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure justice for victims.

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