NYPD wants to claw back $200k in OT from cop who claims disgraced Chief Jeffrey Maddrey ‘coerced’ her into sex

New York Post - May 3rd, 2025
Open on New York Post

The NYPD is demanding that former Lieutenant Quathisha Epps repay $231,890.75 in overtime pay, alleging she received payment for work she didn't perform. This action follows her claims that the overtime was used by former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey to coerce her into sexual acts. Epps, who became the department's highest-paid officer last year, views the demand as retaliation for her whistleblowing, stating that her fight represents broader issues faced by women who speak out against misconduct. Her lawyer argues that the overtime issue is a distraction from the systemic legal and moral issues within the department.

The scandal has led to significant changes within the NYPD, including the resignation of Maddrey and the firing of Epps' supervisor, former Deputy Chief Paul Saraceno. The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation, and despite the New York labor law placing the burden of accurate records on the employer, the NYPD continues to pursue Epps for repayment. While Maddrey is expected to receive a substantial pension, Epps' retirement benefits will be significantly lower, highlighting disparities in consequences following the scandal. The case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing sexual misconduct within law enforcement agencies.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article covers a significant and timely issue involving allegations of misconduct within the NYPD. It provides a compelling narrative centered on Lt. Quathisha Epps' claims of harassment and retaliation, which are partially supported by ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. However, the story's accuracy is limited by a lack of detailed evidence and balanced perspectives, particularly regarding the NYPD's position and the defenses offered by Jeffrey Maddrey. The reliance on anonymous sources and the absence of official statements from key parties weaken the article's credibility.

The story is engaging and has the potential to spark public debate, given its focus on high-profile figures and issues of police accountability. However, its impact is somewhat constrained by the lack of comprehensive evidence and a balanced presentation of viewpoints. Improving transparency and sourcing, as well as providing more context and background information, would enhance the article's quality and reliability. Despite these limitations, the article addresses important public interest topics and contributes to ongoing discussions about ethics and reform in law enforcement.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article contains several factual claims that are partially supported by available sources. It reports that the NYPD is attempting to reclaim overtime payments from Lt. Quathisha Epps, which aligns with reported investigations into overtime discrepancies. However, the article lacks direct evidence or documentation supporting the claim that Epps did not work the hours she was paid for. There is also a lack of corroborative evidence regarding the alleged coercion by Jeffrey Maddrey, though his resignation and the subsequent investigations are factual and verified. The story accurately reflects the broader context of the scandal and ongoing legal proceedings, but the absence of detailed evidence and official statements from involved parties like the NYPD or DOJ limits its verifiability.

5
Balance

The article presents a narrative primarily from Lt. Epps' perspective, highlighting her claims of retaliation and harassment. While it mentions Maddrey's resignation and his lawyer's statement about the consensual nature of the relationship, it does not explore these viewpoints in depth. The story could benefit from a more balanced representation by including more detailed responses from Maddrey or the NYPD. The focus on Epps' allegations without equal emphasis on the defenses or alternative explanations creates a perception of bias towards her account.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative of the events surrounding the NYPD scandal. The language is straightforward, and the key points are presented in a logical order. However, the complexity of the legal and procedural issues involved may challenge readers unfamiliar with such matters. The story could improve clarity by providing more background information on the NYPD's overtime policies and the legal framework governing such disputes.

6
Source quality

The sources cited in the article include anonymous police sources, Lt. Epps, and her lawyer, which provides some credibility but lacks the robustness of multiple independent sources. The reliance on anonymous sources for critical claims, such as the NYPD's reasoning for the repayment demand, weakens the article's authority. The inclusion of Epps' lawyer adds a layer of legal insight, but the absence of official statements from the NYPD or DOJ limits the story's reliability.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not provide detailed information on how the overtime repayment figure was calculated or the specific evidence supporting the NYPD's claims. The story does not disclose potential conflicts of interest or biases that may affect the reporting, such as the relationship between the journalist and the sources. Greater transparency about the basis for claims and the evidence supporting them would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://abc7ny.com/post/quathisha-epps-interview-nypd-lieutenant-breaks-silence-accusing-chief-department-jeffrey-maddrey-sex-harassment/16004549/
  2. https://abc7ny.com/post/federal-prosecutors-investigating-former-nypd-chief-department-jeffrey-maddrey-amid-overtime-sex-accusations/15740558/
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR8Z6JPImvU
  4. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-york-city/nypd-jeffrey-maddrey-suspended-sex-misconduct-epps/6091681/