In the United States, federal agents raided the Queens home of Jeffrey Maddrey, the former Chief of Department for the New York Police Department (NYPD), early Thursday morning. The raid comes as part of an investigation led by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Maddrey, who was once responsible for overseeing the NYPD’s crime-fighting strategies and operations, is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a female subordinate, Lt. Quathisha Epps. It is alleged that Maddrey attempted to keep her silent by granting excessive overtime. Reports indicate that Epps earned $204,000 in overtime last year, making her the department’s highest-paid officer with total earnings of $400,000.
Maddrey suddenly resigned in December 2024 amidst the allegations but has denied all claims. His attorney, Lambros Lambrou, stated in a press conference on December 27 that the allegations are false and entirely unfounded.
As part of the investigation, federal agents executed search warrants at Maddrey’s home and other locations. Video footage captured agents leaving his Rosedale, Queens residence with boxes of evidence and departing in unmarked vehicles. The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is working closely with federal authorities on the case.
Commissioner Tisch announced that Maddrey was suspended from the NYPD following the raid. She also emphasized the department’s commitment to investigating the allegations thoroughly.
The case is the latest scandal involving individuals in close circles of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Other officials whose homes were searched by federal agents include former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.
Maddrey’s alleged misconduct included making inappropriate sexual requests and pressuring Epps for favors, according to a December 2024 report by the New York Post. Epps claimed Maddrey frequently demanded sexual acts and rewarded her with overtime as hush money.
The scandal has prompted significant changes within the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, responsible for handling misconduct allegations. Commissioner Tisch, who assumed leadership in November 2024, removed Internal Affairs Chief Miguel Iglesias and reassigned other top officials in the bureau.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on uncovering the full extent of Maddrey’s alleged actions. For now, the case has drawn national attention as a stark example of alleged abuse of power within one of the nation’s largest police departments.
