NYPD’s Jeffrey Maddrey resigns amid allegations of sexual misconduct and overtime abuse

Ethics questions loom for Maddrey as a New York Bar member

December 23, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Jeffrey Maddrey, who recently stepped down as NYPD chief of department amid misconduct allegations, may face scrutiny from the attorney grievance committee following his recent admission to the New York State Bar. Eagle file photo by Robert Abruzzese

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Jeffrey Maddrey, the NYPD’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, resigned abruptly late Friday night following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of overtime privileges. Maddrey, who served as chief of the department since December 2022, stepped down just as investigations were launched by multiple agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

The allegations stem from claims made by Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, who accused Maddrey of demanding sexual favors in exchange for granting excessive overtime. Epps, who earned more than $400,000 last year — over half from overtime — has been suspended amid an internal affairs investigation. She has announced plans to file a formal notice of claim against the city.

Maddrey, through his attorney Lambros Lambrou, denied the allegations, describing them as “completely meritless.” Lambrou stated that Maddrey had planned to retire soon but decided to step down early in light of the controversy.

The resignation marks a stunning fall for Maddrey, who joined the NYPD in 1991 and rose through the ranks to become chief of the department. His tenure had previously faced scrutiny over a 2021 disciplinary case involving the voiding of an arrest, though the case was ultimately dismissed.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed Maddrey’s departure and named Chief of Patrol John Chell as interim chief of the department. In a statement, Tisch said, “The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate this matter.”

While Maddrey’s resignation ends his 33-year law enforcement career, it also raises questions about his future in the legal profession. Maddrey earned his law degree from Touro Law Center earlier this year and was admitted to the New York State Bar on Sept. 11, 2024.

The allegations against Maddrey could potentially attract the attention of the attorney grievance committee, which oversees the professional conduct of lawyers in the state. Any proven misconduct — whether tied to his role as a police officer or otherwise — could be grounds for disciplinary action, though it remains unclear if the current allegations would meet that threshold.

For now, Maddrey’s resignation leaves a cloud over both his law enforcement career and his fledgling entry into Brooklyn’s legal community.