NYPD seeks 0,000 in overtime repayment from former Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, who has accused a former chief of sexual abuse.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is seeking the reimbursement of approximately 1,896.75 in overtime payments from former Lieutenant Quathisha Epps. Epps, who had previously alleged that ex-Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey coerced her into performing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime pay, has faced this financial demand amidst ongoing legal controversies. Her attorney has characterized the NYPD’s efforts to reclaim these funds as retaliatory and discriminatory.
The NYPD’s formal request was conveyed in an April 22 letter, titled “Overpayment Notification,” which stated that a review of Epps’ overtime records from July 2023 to October 2024 revealed substantial overpayments. According to sources familiar with the matter, an investigation into overtime abuse led to a finding that Epps claimed payment for hours that she did not actually work.
Amid these investigations, Deputy Chief Paul Saraceno was dismissed earlier this year for approving nearly 200 overtime slips submitted by Epps, with more than 170 of these approvals occurring in a single day last fall. This incident has raised questions about the proper oversight of overtime claims within the department.
Epps, whose annual earnings peaked at around 0,000 in fiscal year 2024, first garnered public attention after reports of her salary were published. In light of these allegations and the scrutiny that followed, she was suspended from her duties. Subsequently, Epps filed a discrimination complaint against Maddrey, claiming that he began to pressure her for sexual favors beginning in June 2023. She asserts that upon rejecting his advances, she faced retaliation in the form of manipulated overtime reports that falsely depicted her as abusing the system.
Following the emergence of these accusations, Maddrey tendered his resignation on December 22, asserting that any relationship with Epps was consensual. Epps retired from the NYPD in January, indicating her intent to challenge the department’s financial demand. In a recent statement, she emphasized her determination to not remain silent on issues of workplace sexual harassment and misconduct.
The NYPD has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding this matter, but the implications of these developments point to broader issues surrounding accountability, gender discrimination, and systemic practices within law enforcement agencies. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who speak out against misconduct and raises critical questions about the integrity of overtime claim processes within the NYPD.
Media News Source
