Ex-NYPD Chief Sues NYC

NEW YORK, NY— Former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey sued New York City after officials revoked taxpayer-funded legal representation that had covered his defense in four civil lawsuits.

Maddrey's attorney filed the lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court, arguing the city's decision lacked factual support and violated its previous determination that Maddrey qualified for legal defense under state law.

The dispute centers on four lawsuits filed in 2024 that accuse Maddrey of retaliation, workplace discrimination and helping conceal sexual harassment allegations involving retired NYPD official Timothy Pearson.

The City initially agreed to cover Maddrey's legal costs and assigned outside counsel to represent him.

That position changed in March when Corporation Counsel Steven Banks informed Maddrey that investigators had obtained evidence showing he violated NYPD rules and provided false information during an interview used to determine his eligibility for city-funded representation.

Under New York's General Municipal Law, municipalities may withdraw legal defense coverage if an employee violates agency rules or refuses to cooperate with an investigation.

Maddrey disputes the city's claims and argues officials have failed to provide evidence supporting the decision.

The lawsuit also argues that city officials reversed course after nearly two years of funding Maddrey's defense.

Maddrey served as the NYPD's chief of department from November 2022 until November 2024. He resigned after allegations against him became public.

The city has not publicly disclosed the evidence it cited in revoking coverage.

A Law Department spokesperson defended the decision in a statement to the NY Post.

"The Corporation Counsel stands by his decision," the spokesperson wrote. "We will respond to the filing accordingly."

Maddrey seeks a court order requiring the City to disclose the evidence and restore coverage for his legal defense while the underlying civil lawsuits continue.