NYPD cop demanding revocation of suspension due to alleged Maddrey abuse and high salary

An NYPD lieutenant, who was suspended from the force after a Daily News report exposed her accumulation of over $200,000 in overtime pay last year, is now demanding her reinstatement.

She argues that she should be given special consideration due to the sexual abuse she claims to have suffered at the hands of NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.

In response to Maddrey’s alleged abuse, Lt. Special Assignment Quathisha Epps’ attorney has written a letter to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, demanding the reinstatement of his client with full back pay, benefits, and the opportunity to retire with a pension.

Attorney Eric Sanders, in a letter to Tisch dated Dec. 24, raised his concerns about the ongoing allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment, retaliatory conduct, and an unjust suspension.

He emphasized the importance of a careful and thorough review of these matters. Sanders also stressed the need for Lieutenant Epps to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect throughout the resolution process.

In a report by Daily News in November, it was revealed that Epps was the highest-paid member of the NYPD, earning a salary of $406,515. This amount exceeded former Commissioner Edward Caban’s earnings of $285,313 in fiscal year 2024 by $118,203.

According to The News’ report, Lieutenant Epp claimed to have worked 1,600 hours of overtime, which resulted in her earning $204,000. The department has decided to conduct an audit of Epp’s pay in light of this information. As a result, Lieutenant Epp was suspended on December 18, just two days after she applied for retirement.

Epps decided to step down from her position at the department, just seven months before she would have reached her 20-year mark and become eligible for full retirement benefits.

Upon analyzing her salary, it is evident that her pension could amount to a minimum of $150,000 annually, free from any taxes. In fact, it could potentially reach a staggering $232,000.

If Epps’ request is approved and her suspension is lifted, she will continue with her scheduled retirement on January 15, according to Sanders.

Shortly after her suspension, Epps took action by filing a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In her claim, she alleged that Maddrey had been repeatedly pressuring her for sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities at work.

After rejecting Maddrey’s advances, Epps claims that the chief retaliated by including her name on a list of the department’s highest earners for overtime. According to the complaint, this list is regularly edited by top NYPD executives to conceal the excessive overtime earnings of their friends and colleagues, with minimal oversight.

Maddrey stepped down on Friday evening, and a representative from the Manhattan district attorney’s office announced that they are currently examining the former chief of department’s behavior in relation to the allegations of sexual abuse and harassment.

“These claims, which are both serious and disturbing, are said to have taken place at NYPD Headquarters in Manhattan,” stated a spokesperson for the district attorney. “We are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.”

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