New York, NY — An NYPD lieutenant who earned over $200,000 in overtime last year is urging the department to overturn her recent suspension following allegations that she faced sexual abuse by former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.
Quathisha Epps, 51, claims she was subjected to “quid pro quo sexual harassment” while working under Maddrey, her attorney alleged in a letter sent Tuesday to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The letter also demands Epps’ reinstatement, full back pay, and the opportunity to retire with a pension next month.
Epps, the department’s highest-paid employee in 2023, was suspended last week amid an Internal Affairs investigation into her substantial overtime earnings.
Records show she received $204,000 in overtime on top of her $164,477 base salary, bringing her total earnings to more than $400,000—surpassing Maddrey’s $292,000 annual pay.
Her attorney, Eric Sanders, stated that Epps’ suspension stems from allegations of retaliatory conduct and that she must be treated “with fairness, dignity, and respect” as the investigation unfolds.
“This request comes amidst deeply concerning circumstances, including allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment,” Sanders wrote.
According to sources, internal Affairs investigators are reportedly probing claims that Epps falsified her time records, approved her overtime slips, and frequently arrived late, left early, or skipped work altogether.
In a formal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed against the city, Epps accused Maddrey of demanding sexual favours in exchange for assigning her extensive overtime.
She also alleged that Maddrey made unwanted sexual advances over a year-long period. “I think he’s a predator,” Epps told The Post in a Saturday exposé.
Maddrey, who abruptly resigned last Friday after the allegations came to light, has denied the claims.
Epps filed paperwork on December 16, two days before her suspension, for a vested separation retirement, with plans to retire in mid-January. However, her departure would leave her shy of the 20-year mark required for full benefits.
Sanders urged Commissioner Tisch to allow Epps to finalise her retirement process, enabling her to exit the department “with the dignity and recognition of her years of service merit.”
He also requested that she be issued an unrestricted retired police identification card and a full carry permit to ensure her safety.
Commissioner Tisch, who recently assumed leadership of the NYPD, has already initiated several personnel changes to address internal issues within the department.
The unfolding controversy adds to Tisch’s challenges as she aims to reform the department’s operations.
