NYPD chief resigns following sexual misconduct allegations

NEW YORK — Another scandal rocks the New York City police force.

Jeffrey Maddrey, the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the departmentresigned Friday evening after an explosive allegation of sexual misconduct in the workplace.

The former department head is accused of having exchanged sexual favors for overtime.

Learn more about the allegations

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 a few days ago before the city council’s public safety committee to defend the use of stop and frisk by the New York police. Meanwhile, a major upheaval was occurring. Epps alleges that between June 2023 and Monday, Maddrey engaged in efforts “to coerce her into providing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities.”

She said that included office sex.

According to publicly available payroll data, Epps earned a salary of more than $164,000 last year, but after accounting for overtime, she earned more than $400,000.

After refusing her advances in October, she claims Maddrey retaliated by “orchestrating an intentionally manipulated monthly overtime report,” which resulted in “an open criminal and internal investigation against her.”

Her attorney adds: “Systemic failures within the NYPD allowed Chief Maddrey’s predatory behavior to continue unchecked, culminating in her promotion to the department’s highest position by Mayor Eric Adams, despite a well-documented history of misconduct and abuse of power.

Learn more: A police watchdog group alleges that New York Police Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey intervened during the arrest of a retired officer.

Adams’ office released a statement saying, “We are deeply troubled by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter.” Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner (Jessica) Tisch as the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide review to “We will ensure that no high-ranking officer uses his power inappropriately. We will refrain from further comment to avoid compromising any investigation.”

Epps also claims Maddrey had an inappropriate relationship with another female detective. The allegations attracted 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 took place at the NYPD headquarters in Manhattan. We are investigating,” a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said.

NYPD commissioner appoints acting chiefs

Following Maddrey’s resignation, Tisch Tisch named Patrol Chief John Chell as interim department head and Transportation Chief Philip Rivera was named interim patrol chief.

“The NYPD works tirelessly to protect New Yorkers, and these roles are essential to keeping our communities safe,” Tisch said in a statement. “Acting department and patrol chiefs will continue to lead efforts to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust.”

Tisch also announced the appointment of 38-year NYPD veteran Edward A. Thompson as Acting Chief of Internal Affairs, effective immediately. He replaces Miguel Iglesias, who was relieved of his duties on Saturday and informed the New York Police Department of his intention to retire.

“Above all else, the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau must always be dedicated to preserving integrity and rooting out corruption in all its forms,” Tisch said. “This is an essential function that is crucial to maintaining the honor and nobility of the profession and preserving the public trust. Chief Thompson is up to the task.

The NYPD did not say whether the decision was related to the Maddrey investigation.

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