The abrupt resignation of Jeffrey Maddrey, the NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, has sent shockwaves through the department and the Adams administration. Maddrey’s departure comes amid serious allegations of sexual harassment and coercion leveled against him by Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, an administrative officer in his office. Epps’s complaint, filed with the state Division of Human Rights, paints a disturbing picture of quid pro quo harassment, alleging that Maddrey demanded sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities. The complaint further alleges that Maddrey pressured Epps to facilitate unwanted sexual advances towards another female officer, and that he maintained an inappropriate sexual relationship with a separate female detective, exposing Epps to further sexually offensive conduct. The NYPD has confirmed Maddrey’s resignation and launched an internal investigation into the allegations, emphasizing their commitment to thoroughly addressing claims of sexual misconduct.
The timing of Maddrey’s resignation coincides with Epps’s recent public scrutiny regarding her substantial overtime earnings. Epps earned approximately $400,000 last year, including $204,000 in overtime, for her administrative role in Maddrey’s office. Epps contends that Maddrey manipulated her overtime figures after she began rejecting his advances, leading to both criminal and internal investigations against her in apparent retaliation. She alleges a further incident this week where Maddrey demanded a sexual favor, which she complied with, before filing for retirement through a Vested Interest Retirement Pension.
The allegations against Maddrey represent the latest in a string of controversies to plague the NYPD and the Adams administration. The department recently experienced a leadership shake-up with the resignation of former Commissioner Edward Caban amidst a federal investigation surrounding Mayor Eric Adams. Caban was briefly replaced by interim Commissioner Tom Donlon before Jessica Tisch assumed the role, initially on an interim basis and later permanently.
Mayor Adams himself is facing federal charges, including bribery and wire fraud, related to allegations of accepting luxury travel and illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals in exchange for political influence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Adding to the administration’s woes, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a close advisor to Adams, resigned and was subsequently indicted on bribery charges related to expediting construction project approvals. She also maintains her innocence.
The allegations against Maddrey raise serious concerns about abuse of power and exploitation within the NYPD. Epps’s complaint details a pattern of coercive behavior, leveraging professional opportunities and creating a hostile work environment. The NYPD’s investigation will be crucial in determining the veracity of these claims and ensuring accountability for any misconduct. The scandal further underscores the challenges facing the NYPD in maintaining public trust and addressing systemic issues within the department.
This controversy comes at a sensitive time for both the NYPD and the Adams administration. The mayor’s own legal troubles and the recent leadership changes within the police department have created an atmosphere of instability. The allegations against Maddrey further erode public confidence in the NYPD’s leadership and raise questions about the department’s ability to effectively address internal misconduct. The thorough and transparent investigation promised by the NYPD is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the future of the NYPD and the Adams administration, impacting their efforts to address crime and maintain public safety. The investigation must be conducted impartially and without interference to ensure that justice is served and that the NYPD can move forward with renewed integrity and public confidence. The allegations against Maddrey underscore the need for ongoing efforts to prevent and address sexual harassment and abuse of power within law enforcement agencies.
