The nation’s largest police department is embroiled in a high-profile shakeup at the center of the crisis. Mayor Eric Adams and its administration.
On Friday night, the New York Police Department’s top uniformed officer abruptly resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey issued his retirement papers New York Post Maddrey was about to publish a story about a female subordinate’s claim at police headquarters in lower Manhattan that she demanded, and received, sexual favors in exchange for accepting overtime.
According to an ABC News source, the city was made 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 night, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter,” the NYPD said in a statement.
In this Oct. 2, 2024, file photo, Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey is pictured during an NYPD Security Meeting in New York.
Lev Radin/Sipa USA via AP, FILE
He said the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegations against Maddrey. “These are very serious and disturbing allegations that allegedly occurred at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan,” a spokesperson for the DA’s office told ABC News.
A mayoral spokeswoman said Saturday, “We are deeply concerned about these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams is working in close coordination with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide review to ensure no high-profile cases. They are abusing their power to not comment further to jeopardize an investigation.”
The allegations surrounding Maddrey are also being investigated by the New York State Department of Investigation, sources told ABC News.
Maddrey’s tenure has been tumultuous.
An oversight committee recommended that he be punished for obstructing the 2021 arrest. Former Commissioner Keechant Sewell accepted the discipline but his successor, Edward Caban, dismissed the case.
Maddrey has previously denied allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
On Saturday, Tisch named John Chell as acting department head, tasked with overseeing the NYPD’s crime-fighting strategies, quality-of-life initiatives and operational plans. Chell most recently served as a patrol leader.
Adams, 64, He was charged in September to federal corruption charges, he has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. He will be tried on the charges in April 2025.
“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers I would be a target, and I became a target. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight it with all my might and spirit,” Adams. he said in his speech on September 25.
Caban and other high officials of the city they have resigned at the center of a federal investigation and some of them are also facing criminal charges. Cabane’s lawyers said he was not a target of the investigation and would “cooperate fully” with the government.
Attorneys for Maddrey and his accusers did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment.
