NYPD chief resigns amid sexual misconduct claims

NEW YORK — Yet another scandal is rocking the New York City Police Department.

Jeffrey Maddrey, the department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, resigned Friday night after a bombshell allegation of sexual misconduct on the job.

The former chief of department is accused of trading sexual favors for overtime.

Here’s more on the allegations

Lt. Quathisha Epps filed a complaint Saturday with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, saying the abuse started last year and continued up until this week.

Maddrey just appeared a few days ago in front of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee to defend the NYPD’s use of stop and frisk. Meanwhile, a major shakeup was unfolding. Epps alleges that between June 2023 and Monday Maddrey engaged in efforts “to coerce her into performing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities.”

She says that included intercourse in the office.

According to publicly available payroll data, Epps made a salary last year of more than $164,000, but after overtime was factored in she took home more than $400,000.

After refusing his advances in October, she says Maddrey retaliated by “orchestrating an intentionally manipulated Monthly Overtime Report,” which resulted in “a criminal and internal investigation opened against her.”

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

Read more: Police watchdog group alleges NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey intervened when retired officer was detained

Adams’ office issued a statement that says, “We are deeply disturbed 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 ensure no high-ranking officers are using their power inappropriately. We will refrain from commenting further to avoid jeopardizing either investigation.”

Epps also claims Maddrey had an inappropriate relationship with another female detective. The allegations have gotten the attention of the city’s Department of Investigation, as well as the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

“These are extremely serious and disturbing claims that allegedly occurred at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan. We are investigating,” spokesperson for the Manhattan DA’s Office said.

NYPD commissioner appoints interim chiefs

After Maddrey resigned, Tisch Tisch appointed Chief of Patrol John Chell as interim chief of department and Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera was named interim chief of patrol.

“The NYPD works tirelessly to protect New Yorkers, and these roles are critical to keeping our communities safe,” Tisch said in a statement. “The interim Chiefs of Department and Patrol will continue to lead the efforts to reduce crime and disorder and build public trust.”

Tisch also announced the appointment of 38-year NYPD veteran Edward A. Thompson as interim chief of Internal Affairs, effective immediately. He is replacing Miguel Iglesias, who earlier Saturday was relieved of his command and has notified the NYPD of his intent 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. “It is an essential function that is crucial to maintaining honor and nobility in the profession and preserving public trust. Chief Thompson is up to the task.”

The NYPD has not said if the move is related to the Maddrey investigation.

Sneak peek: The Journals of Maria Muñoz

Sneak peek: Shootout at the Shaughnessys’

Trump putting blame on Biden for looming government shutdown after tanking bipartisan deal