Federal agents conducted searches on Thursday at the residence of a former high-ranking official within the New York City Police Department (NYPD), who had stepped down from his position in the previous month due to allegations of soliciting sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for additional compensation opportunities.
Law enforcement executed search warrants at several locations, including the home of Jeffrey Maddrey, who held the title of the top uniformed officer in the NYPD, as part of a collaborative investigation. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the probes involve multiple agencies, which are jointly investigating the claims against Maddrey.
An FBI spokesperson verified that agents had engaged in “court-authorized law enforcement activity” at Maddrey’s residence in Queens, but further details regarding other locations that were searched remain unclear.
In her statement, Tisch remarked, “At my direction, the Internal Affairs Bureau of the New York City Police Department is collaborating with law enforcement entities to probe allegations concerning former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.” The allegations against Maddrey include claims of “quid pro quo sexual harassment,” where he purportedly pressured a subordinate to provide unwanted sexual favors in return for overtime work.
The individual making the allegations, Quathisha Epps, was reported as the highest-paid employee in the NYPD for fiscal year 2024, earning over $400,000 while serving in an administrative role under Maddrey. According to her attorney, Eric Sanders, Maddrey allegedly made continuous demands for sexual favors within the precinct and threatened her with consequences if she failed to comply.
Maddrey, represented by his attorney, acknowledged having a “consensual, adult relationship” with Epps, yet he refuted claims of any sexual misconduct. His resignation occurred shortly after the allegations were disclosed to the public.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has been referred to for inquiries, but no statement has been provided. Additionally, Maddrey’s legal representative did not respond to requests for comments made on Thursday.
The federal searches are occurring amid separate investigations being carried out by the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the city’s Department of Investigation concerning the alleged misconduct.
