Federal investigators are examining whether NYPD officials have used promotion practices that involve trading job advancements for bribes, according to a letter filed Thursday in a civil lawsuit involving a senior aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The letter marks the first public acknowledgment of a federal investigation into the NYPD’s promotion system. It was submitted by attorney John Scola, representing Roxanne Ludemann, a retired NYPD sergeant who has accused Timothy Pearson, a former NYPD inspector and long-time ally of Adams, of sexually harassing her while he was her supervisor in a special office created by the mayor.
Scola’s letter describes conversations with several NYPD employees who claim that federal authorities are investigating the department’s promotion practices. Some of these individuals have reportedly been questioned by the FBI, other federal agencies, and the city’s Department of Investigation as part of the ongoing probe.
The letter also seeks documents related to allegations that Pearson solicited sexual favors and bribes in exchange for promotions. It was addressed to one of Pearson’s lawyers, who has objected to providing the requested documents in the case.
Federal prosecutors have declined to comment, and officials at City Hall and the NYPD have not responded to requests for comment. Pearson’s legal team did not respond to inquiries but has denied the harassment claims in court filings, dismissing the federal investigation claims as “rumors” and criticizing the document request as an “abusive fishing expedition.”
Ludemann’s lawsuit is one of several accusing Pearson, a key figure in Adams’ political circle, of making sexual advances, blocking her promotion after she rejected him, and retaliating against those who complained. The civil lawsuits suggest a pattern of sexual harassment and corruption under Pearson’s leadership.
The investigation comes after NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey filed for retirement last month, following allegations that he gave over $200,000 in overtime pay to Lieutenant Quathisha Epps in exchange for sex. Maddrey has acknowledged the relationship but insists it was consensual. After announcing his retirement, Maddrey was suspended without pay, and his badge and firearm were confiscated.
In the letter, Scola mentions that he has spoken with multiple sources who have direct knowledge of the NYPD’s internal operations and the ongoing investigations. These include officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for both the Southern and Eastern Districts, the Internal Revenue Service, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and the city’s Department of Investigation.
Mayor Adams is also facing federal scrutiny in connection to an alleged bribery scheme, which claims he traded luxury travel for expedited building permits. Adams has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors and the IRS are investigating top NYPD officials for allegedly extorting money from nightclub owners in exchange for favorable treatment. Former Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned after authorities seized his phone as part of that investigation.
