The New York Police Department (NYPD) is facing yet another scandal as the highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, resigned amid serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The sudden departure has sparked investigations by city and federal authorities, adding to the turmoil already plaguing the department.
Maddrey's resignation was officially accepted by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Friday night, coming just hours before the New York Post was set to publish details of the allegations against him. Those allegations, put forth by Lt. Quathisha Epps, claim Maddrey demanded sexual favors from her in exchange for approving overtime pay.
“We are deeply disturbed by these allegations,” said NYPD representatives, adding, “The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate this matter.” The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the city’s Department of Investigation have opened inquiries following the explosive claims.
Lt. Epps filed her complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleging she suffered “quid pro quo sexual harassment,” having been coerced by Maddrey to perform unwanted sexual favors for more overtime opportunities since June 2023. Epps, whose total earnings exceeded $400,000 for the fiscal year, claims Maddrey retaliated against her after she rebuffed his advances, even alleging he manipulated her overtime records to justify disciplinary action against her.
“This should have been done a long time ago,” expressed Epps’s attorney, Eric Sanders, emphasizing the overdue need to address Maddrey’s behavior within the department. He asserted, “Ms. Epps has endured harm at the hands of individuals who exploited their positions of power for personal gain.”
Following Maddrey’s resignation, Tisch appointed John Chell, previously the Chief of Patrol, as the interim Chief of Department. Philip Rivera will take over Chell’s former role to maintain operational continuity within the NYPD.
Before his resignation, Maddrey's leadership faced scrutiny. He had been subjected to other misconduct allegations throughout his career, including accusations of past sexual harassment and prior interference with department investigations. Despite the concerns raised, Maddrey had received strong support from Mayor Eric Adams until the latest scandal surfaced.
Adams, through spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus, indicated he is collaborating closely with Commissioner Tisch on conducting a department-wide review to prevent the misuse of power by high-ranking officers. The investigations sparked by Epps' allegations are part of broader discussions on systemic issues of misconduct within the NYPD.
“These are extremely serious and disturbing claims,” stated the District Attorney’s Office, adding they will leave no stone unturned during their investigation.
The climate of accountability is not new for the NYPD, which has faced multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct over the years. The internal shakeup has heightened calls for reform, with advocates hoping Maddrey's resignation could mark the beginning of serious cultural changes within the department.
The unexpected nature of Maddrey’s resignation—the result of serious allegations finally surfacing after years of purported misconduct—has reignited discussions on how the department handles such claims. Former officers, including Capt. Gabrielle Walls, have long claimed Maddrey’s advances and inappropriate behavior have created toxic work environments where female officers felt unsafe.
“They need to get them out, there are predators in the NYPD,” asserted Walls after Maddrey’s resignation, expressing hopes more women would come forward about their experiences, signaling the need for enhanced protections against workplace harassment.
Maddrey’s attorney, Lambros Lambrou, dismissed Epps's allegations as “completely meritless,” alleging her claims were part of her scheme to divert attention from her own misconduct within the department. This has prompted responses from those supporting Epps, emphasizing the importance of believing victims and exposing harassment within the police force.
The situation has captured broader public and media attention amid previous administrations within the NYPD facing scrutiny for failing to address reports of misconduct. The recent developments signify potential changes to policies around how officers report harassment and the consequences facing those at the top of the department, who are entrusted with leading and protecting the public.
With federal investigators now involved, the pressure is mounting on the NYPD to maintain integrity and restore public trust as key stakeholders dissect the culture present within New York's police ranks. The outcome of these investigations may prompt extensive reforms and strategic changes aimed at eradicicating damaging practices within the NYPD.
For now, the department gears up for this transition, hopeful the developments will usher in reforms needed to promote accountability and transparency within one of the country's largest police forces.
