The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, has stepped down following serious allegations of sexual misconduct.
Maddrey’s abrupt resignation over the weekend came just before a bombshell complaint was filed against him by Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, an administrative officer in his department. Epps submitted her complaint to the state Division of Human Rights, accusing Maddrey of demanding sexual favours in exchange for workplace benefits, a practice known as “quid pro quo” harassment.
The complaint outlines disturbing allegations, including claims that Maddrey coerced Epps into facilitating inappropriate sexual advances towards another female officer and maintaining an improper sexual relationship with a different female detective within the force.
Lieutenant Epps, who earned significant attention last week after it was revealed she made over $400,000 last year—$204,000 of which came from overtime—alleges that Maddrey inflated her overtime figures in retaliation after she began rejecting his advances. She further claims that Maddrey instigated criminal and internal investigations against her as a form of revenge.
The NYPD confirmed Maddrey’s resignation in a statement, announcing that Chief of Patrol John Chell has been appointed interim chief of department.
“Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey Friday night, effective immediately,” an NYPD spokesperson stated. “The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate this matter.”
