The nation’s largest police department is embroiled in a high-level shakeup amid the crisis engulfing Mayor Eric Adams and his administration.
On Friday night, the highest-ranking uniformed officer of the New York City Police Department abruptly resigned as he faced allegations of sexual misconduct.
Chief Jeffrey Maddrey turned in his retirement papers as the New York Post was about to publish a story about a female subordinate’s allegation that Maddrey at police headquarters in lower Manhattan demanded sexual favors and received them in exchange for authorizing overtime.
According to an ABC News source, the city first learned of the allegations against Maddrey when contacted by the Post for comment.
“Police Chief Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief Jeffrey Maddrey Friday evening, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, and will thoroughly investigate this matter,” the NYPD said in a statement earlier.
In this Oct. 2, 2024 file photo, Chief Jeffrey Maddrey is shown at an NYPD Security Briefing in New York.
Lev Radin/Sipa USA via AP, FILE
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said it is 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 DA’s office told ABC News.
A spokesman for the mayor’s office said Saturday: “We are deeply disturbed by 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 there is no high ranking officers are using their power inappropriately. We will refrain from further comment to avoid jeopardizing any of the investigations.”
In the wake of the stunning allegations against Maddrey, Tisch also removed the head of the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau on Saturday.
Relieved of command was Chief Miguel Iglesias, who notified the department of his intention to retire, Tisch said.
Edward Thompson, a 38-year veteran of the force, will serve as interim chief while the ongoing staff shakeup continues, Tisch announced.
“Above all else, the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau must always be dedicated to maintaining integrity and rooting out corruption in all its forms,” Tisch said in a statement. “It is an essential function that is critical to maintaining the honor and nobility of the profession and maintaining the public’s trust. Chief (Edward) Thompson is up for the task.”
The allegations involving Maddrey are also under criminal investigation by the New York City Bureau of Investigation, sources told ABC News.
Maddrey’s tenure has been tumultuous.
An oversight board recommended that he be disciplined for interfering with an arrest in 2021. Former Commissioner Keechant Sewell approved the discipline, but her 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 as acting department chief charged with overseeing the NYPD’s crime-fighting strategies, quality of life initiatives and operational plans. Chell most recently served as patrol chief.
Adams, 64, was indicted in September on federal corruption charges, pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. He will stand trial in April 2025 on the charges.
“I always knew that if I stood up for New Yorkers, I would be a target – and a target I was. If I am accused, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit,” Adams said in a Sept. 25 statement.
Caban and other top city officials have resigned amid the federal investigation, and some of them also face criminal charges. Lawyers for Caban said he was not the target of the investigation and that he would “cooperate fully” with the government.
Attorneys for Maddrey and his accusers did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment.
