Former NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey Accused of Years-Long Sexual Misconduct: An "Open Secret"

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Allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse by former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey have ignited a scandal that has shaken the city’s police force. According to police sources and accusers, Maddrey’s predatory behavior was a long-standing “open secret” within the department, casting a shadow over his years of service.  

 

 

The controversy erupted when NYPD Lieutenant Quatisha Epps, 51, formally accused Maddrey, 53, of coercing her into a sexual relationship in exchange for significant overtime benefits. The allegations, detailed in a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), suggest a pattern of exploitation that dates back to Maddrey’s promotion to chief of department in June 2023.  

 

In her complaint, Epps claimed Maddrey exploited her vulnerability as a survivor of incest, using her personal history to manipulate and control her. “I think he’s a predator,” Epps stated. “He’d say, ‘We’re going to save your house,’ like you’re supporting me when you’re really just f—ing me.”  

 

Epps, who recently made headlines as the NYPD’s top earner with a staggering $400,000 salary—more than half of which came from overtime—alleged Maddrey demanded unwanted sexual favors in exchange for these lucrative opportunities. The demands, she claimed, were relentless and abusive. “I kept asking him, ‘Can you please stop?’ Then I stopped asking him to stop,” Epps said. “‘Can you please just slow down? You’re hurting me! You’re hurting me!’”  

 

Maddrey’s alleged misconduct extended beyond Epps. At least two other women in the department have come forward with accusations against him. A police source familiar with the situation described Maddrey as a predator, stating, “It’s an open secret. Everyone knows who he is.”  

 

The complaint also alleges Maddrey forced Epps to perform humiliating tasks, including managing his personal relationships with other women on the force. Epps claimed Maddrey ordered her to keep two of his mistresses from discovering each other, adding another layer of degradation to her experience.  

 

Epps worked closely with Maddrey throughout his career as he ascended from chief of housing to chief of patrol and finally to chief of department, overseeing the NYPD’s 36,000-member force. However, she alleged the sexual demands began only after his promotion to the department’s highest-ranking uniformed position.  

 

Attorney Eric Sanders, who represents Epps, filed the EEOC complaint as a precursor to a lawsuit against the city. The document outlines a timeline of abuse that underscores the power dynamics at play, highlighting how Maddrey allegedly leveraged his authority to exploit subordinates for personal gain.  

 

As the NYPD and city officials contend with these explosive allegations, the case raises critical questions about accountability and oversight within one of the world’s largest police forces. For now, the voices of Epps and other accusers are bringing to light what they say was a culture of silence and complicity, with one source summing it up: “Everyone knew, but no one did anything.”

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-12-23