Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, the highest-paid employee of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in 2023, has found herself at the center of a complex controversy involving allegations of sexual harassment, retaliatory suspension, and an internal investigation into her substantial overtime earnings. Epps, who earned over $400,000 last year, including over $200,000 in overtime, has been suspended pending an Internal Affairs Bureau investigation into her timekeeping practices. Her attorney, Eric Sanders, has vigorously defended her, alleging that the suspension is retaliatory and stems from Epps’s accusations of quid pro quo sexual harassment against former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. Sanders has demanded Epps’s immediate reinstatement, full back pay, and the opportunity to proceed with her planned retirement next month with full benefits and privileges.
The core of the controversy revolves around Epps’s allegations against Maddrey, who abruptly resigned from the NYPD after The Post contacted the department about the accusations. Epps alleges that Maddrey, her former supervisor, subjected her to unwanted sexual advances and engaged in quid pro quo harassment, demanding sexual favors in exchange for authorizing her significant overtime pay. Maddrey has vehemently denied these allegations. However, Epps’s claims have sparked a firestorm within the NYPD and raised serious concerns about workplace misconduct and potential abuse of power within the department’s upper echelons. The timing of Maddrey’s resignation, immediately following The Post’s inquiry, further fuels the speculation surrounding the veracity of Epps’s claims.
Complicating the situation is the ongoing Internal Affairs investigation into Epps’s overtime earnings. While her total compensation significantly exceeds even that of her former supervisor, the nature of her administrative role within Maddrey’s office raises questions about the legitimacy of such a high overtime accumulation. Investigators are scrutinizing Epps’s time records, exploring allegations that she falsified her hours and approved her own time slips. Further allegations suggest a pattern of tardiness, early departures, and absences from work, potentially contradicting her claimed overtime hours. These allegations, coupled with the sexual harassment claims, paint a complex picture that requires thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
Epps’s attorney, Eric Sanders, maintains that the Internal Affairs investigation and subsequent suspension are direct retaliation for her coming forward with the sexual harassment allegations against Maddrey. In a letter to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Sanders insists that Epps has been unjustly treated and demands that her rights and dignity be respected throughout the investigation. He argues that Epps should be permitted to retire next month as planned, with full benefits, an unrestricted retired police identification card, and a full carry permit, emphasizing that these measures are necessary for her safety and recognition of her years of service. Sanders’s letter underscores the need for a fair and impartial investigation into both the sexual harassment allegations and the overtime irregularities.
The controversy surrounding Epps and Maddrey has erupted amidst a wider period of turmoil within the NYPD. Newly appointed Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who took the helm less than a month ago, is facing a significant challenge in addressing these issues and restoring public trust in the department. The allegations against Maddrey, a high-ranking official, coupled with the questions surrounding Epps’s overtime, highlight systemic issues within the NYPD’s structure and oversight mechanisms. Tisch’s response to this situation will be crucial in demonstrating her commitment to accountability and transparency within the department.
The Epps-Maddrey controversy underscores the complex intersection of power dynamics, workplace harassment, and financial irregularities within a large and influential organization like the NYPD. This case raises critical questions about the adequacy of internal oversight mechanisms, the efficacy of reporting procedures for victims of harassment, and the potential for abuse of power within the department. A thorough and impartial investigation is crucial not only to determine the truth in this specific case but also to identify any systemic weaknesses that may have contributed to this situation. The outcome of this investigation and the subsequent actions taken by Commissioner Tisch will have significant implications for the future of the NYPD and its efforts to foster a culture of accountability and respect.
