NEW YORK: Jeffrey Maddrey, the former chief of the New York City Police Department, has been suspended amid a federal investigation into allegations of misconduct during his term. The suspension was announced on Thursday as law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple locations, including Maddrey’s residence.
According to Anadolu Agency, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on X that Maddrey was suspended from the department as part of the ongoing investigation. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is reportedly cooperating with federal authorities to investigate the allegations, though specific details about the misconduct remain unclear.
The suspension follows Maddrey’s resignation last month, which occurred after Lieut. Quathisha Epps, a former subordinate, accused him of coercing her into a sexual relationship by offering workplace benefits, such as overtime pay, in return. Epps also alleged that Maddrey retaliated against her when she rejected further advances, leading to an inquiry into her overtime records.
Maddrey’s attorney has denied the allegations, asserting that the relationship was consensual and not tied to workplace incentives. Despite the denial, Epps emerged as the NYPD’s top earner in fiscal year 2024, earning over $400,000, with a significant portion attributed to overtime pay.
The accusations against Maddrey have spotlighted potential accountability issues within the NYPD, especially given Maddrey’s past disciplinary challenges, including a previous investigation related to an affair with another subordinate.