NEW YORK — The New York Police Department’s highest-ranking uniformed official has stepped down amidst claims he solicited sexual favors from a subordinate in return for extra pay opportunities.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the immediate resignation of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey on Friday evening, with the official statement confirming the news on Saturday.
In the interim, Chief of Patrol John Chell will assume the role of Chief of Department, while Philip Rivera will take over as the head of the patrol division, according to an NYPD release.
Additionally, Tisch replaced the leader of the internal affairs bureau—responsible for probing alleged police misconduct—stating the need for unwavering integrity and the eradication of corruption. Edward Thompson has been appointed as the interim chief of this bureau after Miguel Iglesias was relieved of his duties.
While the NYPD has refrained from commenting specifically on the claims against Maddrey, a spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to addressing all accusations of sexual misconduct with due seriousness and thorough investigation.
A lawyer representing Lt. Quathisha Epps, Maddrey’s accuser, asserted that the resignation was long overdue. Attorney Eric Sanders remarked that such behaviors have been pervasive within the department for years, indicating a disturbing culture that many are aware of.
Epps has taken her allegations to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, asserting that Maddrey engaged in “quid pro quo sexual harassment,” coercing her into providing unwanted sexual favors for overtime opportunities. As an administrative employee in Maddrey’s office, Epps has claimed that once she stood up against his demands, he retaliated by suggesting she was misusing overtime, triggering a departmental review.
Despite having submitted her retirement notice, Epps was suspended without pay, as Sanders highlighted her record as the department’s top earner for the fiscal year 2024, with total earnings exceeding $400,000, much of which stemmed from overtime compensation.
Sanders pointed out the significant harm inflicted on Epps and emphasized the need for reforms to combat systemic issues within the NYPD. While spokespersons from the department have opted not to comment on Epps’ formal complaint, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed an investigation is underway, labeling the allegations as “extremely serious and disturbing.”
As the situation unfolds, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams mentioned Tisch’s commitment to a comprehensive evaluation of departmental conduct to ensure that no high-ranking officials exploit their authority. “We are deeply disturbed by these allegations,” Kayla Mamelak Altus stated.
Maddrey’s attorney, Lambros Lambrou, did not comment on the accusations directly but characterized Epps’ claims as “completely meritless,” suggesting a motive to distract from her alleged misconduct. He claimed Epps was trying to save herself from repercussions by bringing down others. Sanders countered that all overtime worked by his client was properly approved by Maddrey and other officials.
Other allegations against Maddrey have surfaced, including one from a police captain who has claimed he made unwanted advances towards her. Gabrielle Walls’ attorney noted that Maddrey’s resignation verifies her allegations, which were recently added to an amended sexual harassment lawsuit against another top officer. Walls reported that she felt compelled to avoid interactions with Maddrey due to his inappropriate behavior.
In light of these developments, Walls’ legal representative expressed hope that Maddrey’s high-profile exit signals a shift in the culture to eliminate ongoing patterns of harassment and retaliation within the police department.
Yet, the plight of another former officer who accused Maddrey of coercing her into a long-term affair, despite previously being dismissed, adds complexity to this issue. Earlier this year, there was a recommendation to drop a disciplinary case against Maddrey over allegations related to a retired officer’s arrest.
Maddrey began his career with the NYPD in 1991 at just 20 years old, ascending the ranks to Chief of Patrol in 2021 and becoming Chief of Department in December of the same year. The Chief of Department is responsible for the department’s crime strategies and operational plans, while the Chief of Patrol oversees the largest segment, comprising 15,000 uniformed officers and 3,000 civilians.
Commissioner Tisch emphasized the commitment of the NYPD to the safety of New Yorkers, stating that the roles of the interim Chiefs are essential for maintaining public order and trust.