Mayor Eric Adams called the allegations against NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey alarming, as a subordinate accused Maddrey of coercing her into sexual favors for overtime pay. The mayor had previously promoted Maddrey despite past issues. Lt. Quathisha Epps filed a complaint against Maddrey, stating he exploited her vulnerabilities for unwanted sexual favors. The Manhattan DA’s office is investigating. Adams defended Maddrey in the past, but now distances himself. Maddrey resigned, and the NYPD is investigating the allegations. Other top officials in Adams’ administration have faced scrutiny and allegations, including claims of sexual misconduct.
In a recent scandal involving NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Mayor Eric Adams has characterized the allegations as “alarming.” Maddrey resigned after a subordinate, NYPD Lt. Quathisha Epps, filed a complaint accusing him of pressuring her into sexual favors in exchange for overtime pay. The mayor expressed deep concern over the allegations, acknowledging their seriousness.
Epps alleged in her complaint that Maddrey exploited her emotional and financial vulnerabilities, as well as her history of childhood trauma, to coerce her into performing unwanted sexual acts for overtime opportunities. Maddrey, who was described as a “predator” by Epps, faced a complaint filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
This is not the first time Maddrey has faced controversy within the NYPD. Despite a previous incident involving a physical altercation with a subordinate he was having an affair with, Maddrey was appointed as chief of department by Adams. Maddrey was accused of providing inaccurate statements to the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, leading to formal charges of lying that were later settled with a plea deal.
In another incident, Maddrey was found to have abused his authority by voiding the arrest of a retired colleague who had chased three boys with a gun. The Civilian Complaint Review Board recommended disciplinary action, but Adams defended Maddrey and asked the then-police commissioner not to impose any penalties.
Epps detailed how Maddrey began being generous with overtime opportunities when she was facing financial difficulties, but these extra pay opportunities came with requests for personal favors outside of work. The demands for sexual favors allegedly began in 2023 when Epps worked directly under Maddrey. She described in graphic detail how Maddrey coerced her into unwanted sexual acts.
The complaint also highlighted allegations of overtime abuse under the tenure of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, involving other high-ranking officers closely associated with Maddrey and Adams. Caban resigned amid a federal investigation into claims of misconduct.
Following Maddrey’s resignation, interim measures have been put in place within the NYPD to address the allegations. Mayor Adams is closely monitoring the situation and working with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to conduct a department-wide review to prevent misuse of power by high-ranking officers.
Both parties involved in the allegations, Epps and Maddrey, have not publicly commented on the issue. Maddrey’s lawyer dismissed the claims as a response to Epps’ own misconduct related to overtime records. The scandal surrounding Maddrey adds to a series of high-profile exits under the Adams administration, involving close aides facing legal scrutiny or lawsuits related to misconduct in public safety.
The departure of Maddrey is the latest in a series of controversies within the NYPD under Mayor Adams’ leadership. Despite the turmoil, Adams has yet to take full responsibility for the situation, attributing the departures of key aides to the challenges of government work.
The scandal involving Maddrey underscores the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The NYPD’s commitment to thoroughly investigate allegations of misconduct is crucial in upholding public trust and ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all members of the force.
Source: TheCity.NYC
