The Queens home of Jeffrey Maddrey, the disgraced former NYPD Chief of Department, was raided on Thursday by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and federal investigators. This comes as officials launch a criminal investigation into allegations that Maddrey exchanged sex for overtime.
According to a statement from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the NYPD has officially suspended Maddrey, and search warrants were also executed in other locations.
Maddrey, 53, resigned abruptly and submitted his retirement papers on December 20th following the shocking allegations made by NYPD Lt. Quathisha Epps.
On Thursday morning, federal investigators from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York were observed removing cartons of papers, cardboard boxes, and various items from Maddrey’s residence. The front door of his home on 147th Road in Rosedale displayed a sizable Christmas wreath.
The Internal Affairs Bureau of the New York City Police Department is currently investigating allegations against former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, as directed by me,” Tisch stated. “This morning, as search warrants were executed at various locations, including his residence, Maddrey was suspended from the department.”
When an NYPD officer retires, they technically remain on the books for 30 days. During this time, if it is found that they have violated department rules or committed a criminal act, they can be suspended.
If Maddrey were to be terminated before his official retirement, he would still receive his pension. However, he would not receive an NYPD retiree ID card or a “good guy letter.” These documents are important as they serve as an indication to future employers that he left the department on good terms, as stated by police sources.
City Hall spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak declined to comment on whether Mayor Adams had been informed in advance about the Maddrey raid.
According to Mamelak, the mayor, who has a long-standing relationship with Maddrey and promoted him to chief of department, is collaborating with Tisch as they delve deeper into the ongoing investigation involving the former top police official.
“The allegations against former Chief Maddrey, as stated by Mayor Adams, are incredibly troubling,” Mamelak expressed. “The mayor is closely collaborating with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD carries out its investigation.”
According to a report published by Daily News in November, Epps was identified as the highest-paid member of the NYPD. In fiscal year 2024, Epps earned an impressive $406,515, surpassing the former Commissioner Edward Caban’s salary of $285,313.
Epps filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming that Maddrey continuously pressured her for sexual favors in exchange for overtime hours. When Epps started rejecting Maddrey’s advances, he retaliated by including her name on a highly scrutinized internal list of top overtime earners within the department.
Mayor Adams revealed on Tuesday that Tisch initiated a comprehensive review of the department following Maddrey’s departure. The focus of this review is primarily on the filing and approval process of overtime.
Tisch took action by replacing a significant portion of the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, including its department head. This move was crucial as it would have been the department’s responsibility to investigate any allegations against Maddrey.
Deputy Chief Paul Saraceno, who is the commanding officer of the chief of department’s office and is seen as Maddrey’s right-hand man, was reassigned to a modified role on Tuesday afternoon amidst the ongoing changes.
John Chell officially became the new Chief of Department for the NYPD on New Year’s Eve.
Maddrey’s civilian attorney, Lambros Lambrou, did not immediately respond to an email for comment.
Attorney Peter Brill, who is representing Maddrey in the criminal investigation, affirms that his client continues to assert his innocence, just as he has done since the allegations made by Epps.
“We look forward to answering any questions that they may have,” Brill said about the federal investigators now looking into the case.
“At this time we have no comment,” Epps attorney Eric Sanders said when reached Thursday morning. Sanders wouldn’t say if the feds have interviewed Epps regarding her claims against Maddrey.