The New York Police Department's top uniformed officer, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, has resigned immediately following serious allegations. He is accused of demanding sexual favors from a subordinate, Lt. Quathisha Epps, in return for extra work opportunities. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the resignation and appointed John Chell as the interim Chief of Department, with Philip Rivera taking over Chell's previous role.
This major shakeup comes as the department faces scrutiny over how it handles sexual misconduct claims. The department has stated it is committed to investigating all allegations thoroughly. The controversy centers on Lt. Epps' claim that Maddrey coerced her into unwanted sexual acts for overtime pay—a practice she rebuffed, leading to alleged retaliation from Maddrey.
Lt. Epps has taken her grievances to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging "quid pro quo" harassment—a situation where job benefits are exchanged for personal favors. Following her resistance to these demands, she reported being unfairly suspended without pay despite having submitted her retirement notice due to abuses endured while working under Maddrey.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office is now looking into these allegations, signaling the gravity of the situation at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan. Mayor Eric Adams has also expressed his concern and assured that a thorough review by the department is underway.
Maddrey's lawyer refutes these claims as baseless and suggests they come at a convenient time when Lt. Epps faces scrutiny herself. Yet, this incident isn't isolated—other officers have previously accused Maddrey of similar misconduct.
As the NYPD grapples with this scandal, it aims to maintain public trust and safety through its leadership transitions. This case underscores the necessity for systemic reform within the NYPD to address an environment where harassment and retaliation have been issues of concern.
This major shakeup comes as the department faces scrutiny over how it handles sexual misconduct claims. The department has stated it is committed to investigating all allegations thoroughly. The controversy centers on Lt. Epps' claim that Maddrey coerced her into unwanted sexual acts for overtime pay—a practice she rebuffed, leading to alleged retaliation from Maddrey.
Lt. Epps has taken her grievances to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging "quid pro quo" harassment—a situation where job benefits are exchanged for personal favors. Following her resistance to these demands, she reported being unfairly suspended without pay despite having submitted her retirement notice due to abuses endured while working under Maddrey.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office is now looking into these allegations, signaling the gravity of the situation at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan. Mayor Eric Adams has also expressed his concern and assured that a thorough review by the department is underway.
Maddrey's lawyer refutes these claims as baseless and suggests they come at a convenient time when Lt. Epps faces scrutiny herself. Yet, this incident isn't isolated—other officers have previously accused Maddrey of similar misconduct.
As the NYPD grapples with this scandal, it aims to maintain public trust and safety through its leadership transitions. This case underscores the necessity for systemic reform within the NYPD to address an environment where harassment and retaliation have been issues of concern.
