The NYPD's highest-ranking uniformed officer abruptly resigned on Friday amid bombshell claims that he solicited sexual favors from subordinates on the force, the latest scandal to rock the NYPD and the Adams administration.
Secretary Jeffrey Madley's sudden resignation comes hours before Lt. Gov. Quatisha Epps, who holds an administrative position in Madley's office, filed a sexual harassment complaint against him with the state Department of Human Rights, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital. It was held on. .
Epps alleges that Madley engaged in “quid pro quo sexual harassment” by forcing her to perform unwanted sexual acts in exchange for overtime at work.
Secretary Jeffrey Madrid spoke to the media earlier this year. (Theodore Parisienne for the New York Daily News, via Getty Images)
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The complaint also alleges that Madley forced Epps to “take care of” another female officer and “subjected the officer to unwanted sexual advances and conduct, including intercourse, within the workplace.” .
Epps also accused Madley, who is married, of maintaining an inappropriate sexual relationship with another female detective and of engaging in “further sexually aggressive acts in person and via cell phone.”
The NYPD announced in a press release Saturday morning that NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell was sworn in as interim chief Friday night, and Philip Rivera has been named interim chief.
Quatisha Epps attends the New York City Police Foundation Gala at the New York Hilton Midtown on April 30, 2019 in New York City. (Gonzalo Marroquín/Patrick McMullan, via Getty Images)
Although Madrid was not mentioned in the announcement, the NYPD confirmed to Fox News Digital on Saturday that Madrid had resigned from the NYPD, without giving a reason.
“Police Chief Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief Jeffrey Madley on Friday night, effective immediately,” an NYPD spokesperson said in an email. “The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate this matter.”
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Epps made headlines earlier this week. new york postCiting salary records, she revealed that she earned a whopping $400,000 in her management role in Mr. Madley's office, including about $204,000 in overtime alone last year. She alleges in her filing that Madrid fabricated overtime pay figures in October after he began rejecting his advances.
That led to a criminal investigation and internal investigation against her in retaliation, she said.
Epps said in his complaint that he was portrayed in public as an “overtime abuser” and that he met with Madley earlier this week with the intention of leaving the force. Madley allegedly requested sexual favors, which he complied with. She then applied for retirement from the NYPD through a vested retirement pension.
A spokesperson for Mr. Adams said his office was “deeply disturbed by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating the matter.”
Former NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban resigned in September. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
“Mayor Adams is working closely with Police Commissioner Tisch, and the NYPD is conducting a separate department-wide investigation to determine whether high-ranking officers are inappropriately exercising their power. To avoid jeopardizing either investigation, we will not comment further.”
The controversy is the latest turmoil to hit the NYPD. Former Commissioner Edward Caban resigned in September amid a federal investigation into New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Mr. Adams then appointed Tom Donlon, a former FBI counterterrorism expert, as interim director, who was replaced two months later by Mr. Tisch, who was later appointed permanently.
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Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury in September and charged with five counts, including bribery, solicitation of campaign contributions from foreign nationals, wire fraud and conspiracy. Federal prosecutors have charged Mr. Adams with accepting lavish travel benefits and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials and other foreigners seeking to buy his influence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Mayor Eric Adams finishes a press conference with Ingrid Lewis Martin at City Hall in Manhattan, New York, January 2, 2024. (Barry Williams, NY Daily News, via Getty Images)
Mr. Adams' top adviser, Ingrid Lewis Martin, resigned on Sunday and was later indicted on bribery charges.
Prosecutors said Lewis Martin and his son collected more than $100,000 and received other assistance in exchange for expediting construction project approvals. She pleaded not guilty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
