NYPD and City Hall officials allegedly collaborated to dismiss retaliation claims against Tim Pearson, according to court documents.

Top officials from City Hall and the New York Police Department (NYPD) are accused of attempting to undermine sexual harassment and retaliation allegations made by four police officers, including Sergeant Roxanne Ludemann, against Timothy Pearson, a senior adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, according to court documents filed recently.

Ludemann initially reported sexual harassment and subsequent retaliation by Pearson in early 2023. Following these accusations, Jeffrey Maddrey, the former NYPD Chief of Department, allegedly directed a subordinate to reassign Ludemann from her high-profile role connected to City Hall and instructed them to advise her to remain silent about her claims. The filing cites a demand letter from Ludemann’s attorney, which contains crucial evidence related to this case.

In conjunction with these developments, Deputy Chief Miltiadis Marmara, Ludemann’s supervisor who also supported her allegations, found himself the subject of a welfare check initiated by the city’s chief counsel, Brendan McGuire. This check raised concerns over Marmara’s mental state, further suggesting an environment of intimidation and retaliation orchestrated by higher-ups in the NYPD and City Hall, as highlighted in the court documents.

In March 2024, Ludemann filed a lawsuit against the city, subsequently joined by Marmara, Lieutenant George Huang, and Sergeant Michael Ferrari, who alleged that their careers suffered due to their support of Ludemann’s claims. They asserted that Pearson’s powerful influence within the NYPD hindered their professional advancement.

The recent court filing further critiques the city for its failure to produce pertinent digital communications among key figures, including Mayor Adams, Pearson, and Maddrey. The attorney representing Ludemann accused the city of withholding evidence that could substantiate claims of retaliation and misconduct.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams labeled the accusations as inaccurate and claimed that the city had already provided a comprehensive array of documents related to the investigation. Adams’s administration stands firm that all required materials have been disclosed, dismissing the claims of missing evidence.

An email exchange from April 2023, included in the court filings, revealed Maddrey instructing another NYPD officer to remove Ludemann from her position and suppress her voice, which legal representation for Ludemann described as blatant retaliation against a whistleblower.

This unfolding incident is part of a broader examination of workplace conduct and accountability within the NYPD, especially regarding sexual harassment claims. Questions arise not just about the handling of Ludemann’s allegations but also about the systemic issues within the department that allowed such behavior to proliferate. Additionally, it has come to light that several high-ranking officials failed to report the misconduct allegations as mandated.

The saga, which traces back to December 2022 when Pearson reportedly made inappropriate advances toward Ludemann at a holiday event, has significant implications for city governance and the NYPD’s commitment to fostering a safe work environment. In light of these events, there is ongoing scrutiny regarding the city’s procedures for investigating misconduct claims and protecting whistleblowers.

As this situation develops, it raises critical questions about the accountability of public officials and the mechanisms in place to protect those who report misconduct. This case not only highlights individual grievances but also reflects broader challenges within public service and law enforcement organizations.