The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is engulfed in another scandal following the resignation of Jeffrey Maddrey, the department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer. Maddrey stepped down in response to a serious allegation of sexual misconduct, specifically accused of trading sexual favors for overtime obligations. The complaint was filed by Lt. Quathisha Epps with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging that this abuse initiated last year and persisted until the recent allegations came to light. The situation escalated quickly, particularly as Maddrey had recently appeared before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee defending the NYPD’s controversial use of stop-and-frisk tactics, unaware that a significant internal crisis was brewing.
Epps’s claims detail that between June 2023 and the present, Maddrey allegedly coerced her into performing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities. Her accusations are severe, highlighting instances that included sexual intercourse purportedly occurring within the office. Financial records reveal that Epps had earned a substantial annual salary of over $164,000, but with overtime she reportedly made over $400,000 last year, suggesting a financial motive intertwined with the alleged misconduct. Alarmingly, Epps alleges that after she rebuffed Maddrey’s advances in October, he retaliated by manipulating a Monthly Overtime Report, leading to a wrongful criminal investigation against her.
The internal turmoil was starkly contrasted by Maddrey’s recent elevation to the highest uniform position in the NYPD, a promotion sanctioned by Mayor Eric Adams despite a documented history of alleged misconduct. In light of these new allegations, a statement from Adams’ office emphasized their commitment to addressing the situation transparently, noting a thorough investigation by the NYPD alongside a separate citywide review. This reaction reflects an urgent need to ensure the integrity of high-ranking officials within the department, aiming to uphold proper conduct and rebuild public trust.
Moreover, Epps’s complaint also mentioned that Maddrey had inappropriate relationships with other female officers, including a detective, which has further caught the attention of external oversight agencies such as the Department of Investigation and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The latter has described the allegations as extremely serious and concerning, particularly occurring at the NYPD’s headquarters, thereby amplifying the need for decisive action and accountability.
In the wake of Maddrey’s resignation, immediate changes were made within the leadership of the NYPD. Commissioner Jessica Tisch appointed Chief of Patrol John Chell as the interim chief of department and Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera as interim chief of patrol. These changes signal a strategic effort by Tisch to restore order and maintain operational integrity during this turbulent period. Tisch underscored the importance of these roles in preserving public safety and restoring trust within the community while emphasizing the NYPD’s commitment to combatting corruption and upholding professional integrity.
Additionally, Edward A. Thompson, a veteran with 38 years in the NYPD, was appointed as the interim chief of Internal Affairs, taking over from Miguel Iglesias, who resigned as well. This reshuffling of leadership indicates the department’s proactive approach to addressing the allegations against Maddrey and reinforcing the Internal Affairs Bureau’s critical role in maintaining ethical standards. Tisch’s statements underscore the intent to preserve honor within the police force and to ensure rigorous scrutiny of any behavior that undermines public trust, thereby aiming to realign the department’s image amidst a growing cloud of accusations and scandals.
