The New York Police Department (NYPD) was thrown into turmoil late Friday night with the unexpected resignation of its highest-ranking uniformed officer, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. The resignation came on the heels of an exclusive interview given by Lt. Quathisha Epps to the New York Post, detailing shocking allegations of sexual coercion and quid pro quo against Maddrey. Epps, who had recently garnered attention as the NYPD’s top earner with a staggering $400,000 annual salary, including over $204,000 in overtime, claimed that Maddrey had repeatedly demanded sexual favors in exchange for preferential treatment, particularly concerning overtime assignments. The allegations, which Epps and her lawyer intended to formalize in a notice of claim to the city comptroller, sent shockwaves through the department and raised serious questions about the integrity of its leadership.
Epps’s account painted a disturbing picture of a sustained pattern of abuse allegedly perpetrated by Maddrey. She claimed that the harassment began in June 2023, after Maddrey’s promotion to Chief of Department, and involved explicit demands for various sexual acts within the confines of his office at One Police Plaza. Epps described a specific incident where Maddrey, allegedly with his uniform pants open, propositioned her for sex and subsequently forced himself upon her on an office couch. She claimed that this initial encounter was followed by approximately ten more instances of sexual intercourse. Epps’s narrative, punctuated by emotional distress and sobs during the interview, provided a stark contrast to Maddrey’s position of power and authority within the NYPD.
The allegations extended beyond sexual coercion to encompass claims of financial manipulation and misuse of overtime. Epps asserted that Maddrey’s initial generosity with overtime began a couple of years earlier when she confided in him about her financial difficulties, including the impending foreclosure of her home. She claimed Maddrey offered her unlimited overtime, positioning himself as a benevolent figure helping her through a crisis. However, Epps alleged that the overtime was often tied to tasks unrelated to her official duties, including running personal errands for Maddrey and assisting another female officer, whom Epps identified as Maddrey’s girlfriend. These tasks included apartment hunting and purchasing household items, further blurring the lines between professional responsibilities and personal favors.
Epps’s account detailed a coercive environment where Maddrey allegedly used coded language and veiled threats to maintain control. She claimed that the acronym “DAP” served as Maddrey’s shorthand for demanding anal sex, and that he would frequently make explicit requests for sexual acts in her office. She also alleged that Maddrey employed phrases like “a wish and a command” to underscore his authority and her obligation to comply. These allegations painted a picture of an individual using his position of power to exploit a subordinate, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.
Further complicating the narrative, Epps claimed she had financed a vacation for Maddrey and his wife, and that Maddrey had instructed her to disguise the payment as a gift. She also alleged that Maddrey pressured her to give an apartment, owned by her children, to his girlfriend. These claims, if substantiated, would suggest a pattern of financial entanglement and exploitation beyond the alleged sexual coercion. Epps’s expressed fear of disbelief and retaliation underscores the precarious position she felt herself to be in, highlighting the power dynamics inherent in such situations and the potential difficulty faced by those who come forward with allegations against powerful figures.
The fallout from Epps’s allegations was swift and significant. Maddrey abruptly resigned from his position as Chief of Department, and the NYPD announced his interim replacement. Epps, facing scrutiny for her significant overtime earnings, was placed on a 30-day suspension and became the subject of an internal investigation. Maddrey, through his attorney, vehemently denied Epps’s accusations, characterizing them as opportunistic fabrications from an individual caught in the crosshairs of an overtime investigation. He suggested that Epps was attempting to deflect attention from her own alleged misconduct by making false accusations against him. This denial sets the stage for a potential legal battle and a broader investigation into the truth of Epps’s claims.
This case brings to light the complexities of power dynamics, sexual harassment, and financial impropriety within a large organization like the NYPD. Epps’s allegations, if proven true, represent a serious breach of trust and an abuse of power. The investigation that follows will be critical in determining the veracity of her claims and holding those responsible accountable. The case also underscores the importance of providing safe and accessible reporting mechanisms for individuals who experience harassment and abuse in the workplace, ensuring that their voices are heard and that appropriate action is taken. The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, impacting the credibility and public perception of the NYPD and raising broader questions about workplace culture and accountability within law enforcement.
