The nation’s largest police division is embroiled in a high-level shakeup amid the disaster engulfing Mayor Eric Adams and his administration.
On Friday night time, the highest-ranking uniformed officer of the New York Metropolis Police Division abruptly resigned as he confronted accusations of sexual misconduct.
Chief of Division Jeffrey Maddrey turned in his retirement papers because the New York Put up was about to publish a narrative a couple of feminine subordinate’s declare that Maddrey, at police headquarters in decrease Manhattan, demanded sexual favors, and obtained them, in alternate for approving time beyond regulation.
In response to an ABC Information supply, the town first realized of the allegations in opposition to Maddrey when contacted by the Put up for remark.
“Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief of Division Jeffrey Maddrey Friday night time, efficient instantly. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct severely, and can totally examine this matter,” the NYPD mentioned in an announcement earlier.
On this Oct. 2, 2024, file photograph, Chief of Division Jeffrey Maddrey is proven at an NYPD Safety Briefing in New York.
Lev Radin/Sipa USA by way of AP, FILE
The Manhattan District Lawyer’s Workplace mentioned it’s investigating the allegations in opposition to Maddrey. “These are extraordinarily critical and disturbing claims that allegedly occurred at N.Y.P.D. headquarters in Manhattan,” a spokesperson for the DA’s workplace informed ABC Information.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s workplace mentioned Saturday, “We’re deeply disturbed by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams is working in shut coordination with Police Commissioner Tisch because the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide overview to make sure no excessive rating officers are utilizing their energy inappropriately. We are going to chorus from commenting additional to keep away from jeopardizing both investigation.”
The allegations involving Maddrey are additionally beneath legal investigation by New York Metropolis’s Division of Investigation, sources informed ABC Information.
Maddrey’s tenure has been tumultuous.
An oversight board really helpful that he needs to be punished for interfering with a 2021 arrest. Former Commissioner Keechant Sewell accredited the self-discipline however her successor, Edward Caban, dismissed the case.
Maddrey has beforehand confronted accusations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, which he has denied.
On Saturday, Tisch named John Chell as performing chief of division, charged with overseeing the NYPD’s crime-fighting methods, high quality of life initiatives and operational plans. Chell most just lately served as chief of patrol.
Adams, 64, was indicted in September on federal corruption fees, pleaded not responsible and denied any wrongdoing. He’ll stand trial in April 2025 on the fees.
“I all the time knew that If I stood my floor for New Yorkers that I might be a goal—and a goal I grew to become. If I’m charged, I’m harmless and I’ll combat this with each ounce of my energy and spirit,” Adams mentioned in an announcement on Sept. 25.
Caban and different high metropolis officers have resigned amid the federal probe and a few of them additionally face legal fees. Attorneys for Caban mentioned he was not the goal of the investigation and that he would “cooperate absolutely” with the federal government.
Attorneys for Maddrey and his accuser didn’t instantly reply to ABC Information’ requests for remark.
