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NYPD's top cop is the latest to go down in scandal. What happens to him now?
By
Charles Lane
Published Jan 3, 2025
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Michelle Farsi/Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Jan 3, 2025
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NYPD top cop Jeffrey Maddrey was suspended Thursday, and his home was searched by the FBI. It’s the latest in a string of federal investigations into NYPD brass that include pay-to-play allegations involving the brother of former Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks, accusations of nightclub shakedowns by the brother of resigned Police Commissioner Edward Caban, and a search of the home of former interim-Commissioner Thomas Donlon.
Here's what to know about the investigation into former Chief of Department Maddrey.
Wait, what happened with the city’s top uniformed cop?
On the Saturday before Christmas, news broke of Lt. Quathisha Epps' explosive accusations that Maddrey coerced her into having sex in exchange for overtime payments. She filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint accusing Maddrey of giving her $200,000 in overtime shifts in exchange for sex. Maddrey has admitted he had a sexual relationship with Epps, but said it was consensual.
Early Thursday of this week, NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Maddrey was suspended and his home and other addresses were being searched. She said an investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau was underway, and referred questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The FBI confirmed that a search warrant was executed at Maddrey’s home.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had also opened an investigation, but paused it Thursday while federal prosecutors investigated Maddrey. A spokesperson said the allegations remain serious.
Maddrey is the department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer. As opposed to civilian employees like the police commissioner, he cannot simply be fired but has to be suspended and undergo a departmental trial in order to be removed.
Lawyers for Maddrey and Epps did not comment on Maddrey’s suspension or the search.
Maddrey has said he will resign. Will he get to keep his pension and gun?
Officers who retire with at least 20 years of service are typically guaranteed their pensions. However, Maddrey could still face serious repercussions. He was suspended Thursday without pay, according to documents provided to Gothamist. Under NYPD policy, suspended officers are required to surrender their firearms, badges, phones and other NYPD property.
And unless Maddrey is cleared of the allegations, the department is not authorized to grant him a so-called “good guy letter,” which allows a former member of the force to keep their firearm. The letter indicates that an officer has retired in good standing, and is considered a prerequisite to high-paying security jobs that are often sought by retired police officers.
Who’s taking over Maddrey’s job?
In announcing Maddrey’s notice of retirement, Tisch promoted John Chell from chief of patrol to interim chief of department. She also appointed Philip Rivera as interim chief of patrol. Both were later sworn into those positions on New Years Eve in Times Square.
Chell is 30-year veteran of the department who rose through the same commands as Maddrey and Mayor Eric Adams. Chell brings his own baggage to the job, though. In a lawsuit filed last year, he is accused of helping to organize a smear campaign against a criminal justice reformer who worked with the department and fell out of favor. Chell was found to have shot a man in the back, leading the city to pay $1.5 million in a legal settlement. Chell also came under criticism for publicly condemning a judge he thought was too lenient, then learning he’d named the wrong judge.
A day after announcing Maddrey’s notice of retirement, Tisch announced that former Chief of Internal Affairs Miguel Iglesias was fired and replaced with Edward Thompson.
Tisch recorded a video message to the NYPD's employees following Chell’s and Rivera’s permanent appointment. She said the NYPD’s rank-and-file officers were setting the example for the department.
“The last few weeks have seen a challenging time for our department,” she said. “Public scandal has led to a thoughtful and decisive shakeup among our executive staff. Usually it’s leadership that sets the example, but right now it’s all of you.”
A spokesperson for Adams, Kayla Mamelak, called the allegations against Maddrey "deeply disturbing."
"The mayor is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD conducts its investigation,” Mamelak said.
What could happen to Maddrey next?
Federal and local officials have only said that Maddrey is under investigation and that a search warrant has been executed. They have not announced any formal charges.
Short of a grand jury indictment, Maddrey could face departmental disciplinary charges and trial at police headquarters, but only if he remains on the force. He is set to retire on Jan. 21, according to the police pension fund.
Elizabeth Kim contributed reporting.
Tagged
corruption
new york city
nypd
Mayor Eric Adams
Politics
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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