NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The top uniformed officer in the New York Police Department has stepped down amid serious allegations. Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey resigned after accusations surfaced that he demanded sexual favours from a subordinate for extra pay opportunities. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch accepted his resignation, effective immediately, as stated by the department.

Lt Quathisha Epps, who accused Maddrey, filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She claimed Maddrey coerced her into unwanted sexual acts in exchange for overtime work. Epps, holding an administrative role in Maddrey's office, faced retaliation when she resisted his demands.

Allegations and Reactions

Attorney Eric Sanders, representing Epps, expressed that this resignation was long overdue. "This should have been done a long time ago," Sanders remarked. He highlighted that such behaviour had persisted for years within the department. Epps was suspended without pay despite submitting her retirement notice earlier this week.

Epps was the department's highest earner in fiscal year 2024, earning over USD 400,000, with more than half from overtime pay. "Ms Epps has endured profound harm at the hands of individuals who exploited their positions of power for personal gain," Sanders stated. He emphasised the need for reforms to address systemic failures within the NYPD.

Department's Response and Investigation

The department has not commented on the allegations against Maddrey but assured that all claims of sexual misconduct are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated. Mayor Eric Adams described the allegations as extremely concerning and alarming, confirming a full review is underway.

Maddrey's attorney, Lambros Lambrou, dismissed Epps' claims as baseless. "What a convenient time to accuse somebody of misconduct after she's caught stealing time," Lambrou told the New York Post. He suggested Epps was trying to implicate others as she faced scrutiny.

Previous Allegations Against Maddrey

Maddrey has faced other sexual misconduct allegations in the past. A police captain alleged repeated unwanted advances from him. Additionally, a former officer claimed Maddrey coerced her into a yearslong affair while he was her supervisor; however, this case was dismissed by a state judge last month.

Earlier this year, an administrative trial judge recommended dropping a disciplinary case against Maddrey related to a November 2021 incident. He had ordered officers to void the arrest of a retired officer who previously worked for him.

Leadership Changes and Department Roles

John Chell will serve as interim chief of department, while Philip Rivera will take over Chell's duties as head of the patrol division. The chief of department oversees crime-fighting strategies and operational plans, while the chief of patrol manages 15,000 uniformed officers and 3,000 civilians.

Maddrey joined the police force in 1991 at age 20 and rose through ranks to become chief of patrol in 2021 before being promoted last December. The NYPD remains committed to protecting New Yorkers and maintaining public trust under its new leadership.