The nation’s largest police department is embroiled in a high-level shakeup amid the crisis gripping Mayor Eric Adams and his administration.
The New York Police Department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer abruptly resigned Friday evening after being accused of sexual misconduct.
Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey turned in his retirement papers as the New York Post was about to publish a story about a subordinate’s claim that Maddrey, at Lower Manhattan police headquarters, had demanded sexual favors and received them in exchange for approval of overtime.
According to an ABC News source, the city first became aware of the allegations against Maddrey when contacted by the Post for comment.
“Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey Friday evening, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will fully investigate this matter” , New York police said in a statement.
In this October 2, 2024 file photo, Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey is shown during an NYPD security briefing in New York.
Lev Radin/Sipa USA via AP, FILE
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it was investigating the allegations against Maddrey. “These are extremely serious and disturbing allegations that allegedly took place at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan,” a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office told ABC News.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said Saturday: “We are deeply troubled by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD York is conducting a separate department-wide review to ensure there are no serious incidents of senior officers using their authority inappropriately. We will refrain from further comment to avoid compromising any. or the other investigation.
The allegations involving Maddrey are also the subject of a criminal investigation by the New York City Department of Investigation, sources told ABC News.
Maddrey’s tenure was tumultuous.
An oversight panel recommended he be punished for interfering with an arrest in 2021. Former Commissioner Keechant Sewell approved the disciplinary action, but his successor, Edward Caban, dismissed the case.
Maddrey has previously faced accusations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, which he has denied.
On Saturday, Tisch named John Chell acting department chief, responsible for overseeing the NYPD’s crime-fighting strategies, quality of life initiatives and operational plans. Chell was most recently a patrol leader.
Adams, 64, was indicted in September on federal corruption charges, pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. He will be tried in April 2025 on these charges.
“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers, I would be a target – and I have become a target. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight with every ounce of my strength and spirit.” , Adams said. said in a statement on September 25.
Caban and other top city officials resigned amid the federal investigation and some of them also face criminal charges. Caban’s lawyers said he was not a target of the investigation and would “cooperate fully” with the government.
Lawyers for Maddrey and her accuser did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment.
