The New York Police Department’s top-ranking uniformed officer has stepped down amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey’s resignation, effective immediately, was confirmed late Friday by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch in a brief statement.
John Chell, the current chief of patrol, is set to temporarily assume Maddrey’s duties, while Philip Rivera is set to take over as interim head of the patrol division, according to the NYPD.
The allegations against Maddrey stem from a complaint filed by Lt. Quathisha Epps, who accused him of coercing her into performing sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities. Epps, who worked in Maddrey’s office in an administrative role, alleges that when she refused his advances, he retaliated by accusing her of overtime abuse, which led to her suspension without pay. Epps had submitted her retirement notice earlier this week.
“This behavior has been an open secret within the department for years,” commented Epps’ lawyer, Eric Sanders. On Saturday, Epps filed a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, citing “quid pro quo sexual harassment” and systemic issues within the NYPD.
The NYPD has stated that it takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and has launched an investigation. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office is also reviewing the claims, calling them “extremely serious and disturbing.”
Maddrey’s attorney, Lambros Lambrou, dismissed the accusations as baseless. “These claims are entirely without merit,” Lambrou said in a statement, suggesting that Epps’ allegations were a deflection from her own alleged misconduct.
Epps, who reportedly earned over $400,000 in fiscal year 2024—more than half of it in overtime—claims that all her extra hours were approved by Maddrey and other officials. “Ms. Epps has suffered significant harm due to individuals exploiting their positions of power,” Sanders stated.
This is not the first time Maddrey has faced allegations of misconduct. Capt. Gabrielle Walls, another NYPD officer, recently amended her own sexual harassment lawsuit to include claims against Maddrey, alleging years of unwanted advances. According to Walls’ lawyer, John Scola, Maddrey’s resignation serves as vindication for his client. “We hope this marks a turning point in addressing the culture of harassment and retaliation within the NYPD,” Scola said.
In another case, a former officer claimed Maddrey coerced her into a long-term affair while he was her supervisor, though a state judge dismissed that lawsuit last month. Maddrey has also been scrutinized for a 2021 incident in which he ordered officers to void the arrest of a retired officer who had previously worked for him. An administrative trial judge recommended dropping disciplinary charges related to that case earlier this year.
Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain, expressed concern over the allegations during a public event on Saturday. “These claims are deeply troubling,” the mayor said.
Maddrey’s career in the NYPD began in 1991 when he joined the force at the age of 20. Over three decades, he rose through the ranks, becoming chief of patrol in 2021 and chief of department in December 2023. The chief of department oversees the NYPD’s crime-fighting strategies and operational plans, while the chief of patrol manages the department’s largest bureau, comprising 15,000 uniformed officers and 3,000 civilians.
