NYPD's Jeffrey Maddrey resigns amid shocking sexual favors scandal

In the United States, Jeffrey Maddrey, the Chief of Department of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), resigned on December 20, 2024, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced the immediate acceptance of his resignation amid reports that Maddrey had demanded sexual favors from a subordinate in exchange for overtime hours. The allegations suggest a pattern of misconduct that came to light in an exclusive interview, causing significant disruption within the department. Maddrey, who had served as the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the NYPD since 2022, has faced accusations before, including a significant case in 2016 where a former officer sued him for persistent sexual advances. Although the legal proceedings in that case were dismissed, the recent allegations are more severe and have prompted calls for a thorough investigation. The NYPD has stated that it takes all allegations of misconduct very seriously and is committed to ensuring accountability within its ranks. The allegations include claims from Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, who reported that Maddrey had solicited various sexual acts during working hours at police headquarters. According to Epps, Maddrey used his position of authority to exploit her vulnerability, offering her substantial overtime when she faced financial difficulties. She detailed inappropriate conduct that occurred in his office, which illustrates a troubling abuse of power. Epps described several instances where Maddrey verbally coerced her into performing sexual acts, framing them as commands rather than requests, creating a traumatic environment for her. In light of Maddrey's resignation, interim leadership positions have been appointed to ensure the department maintains functionality and addresses ongoing concerns related to crime and public safety. John Chell has stepped in as the interim Chief of Department, while Philip Rivera has been named interim Chief of Patrol. The ongoing investigation into Maddrey's conduct and the measures taken to address the allegations signal a critical moment for the NYPD as it confronts issues of trust and integrity within its leadership.