NEW YORK CITY (WABC) – The nation’s largest police department is undergoing a high-level restructuring amid the crisis plaguing Mayor Eric Adams and his administration.

On Friday evening, the New York Police Department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer suddenly resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey filed his retirement papers when the New York Post was about to publish an article about a subordinate’s allegation that Maddrey requested sexual favors at police headquarters in Lower Manhattan and received them in exchange for approving overtime.

According to an ABC News source, the city first learned of the allegations against Maddrey when the newspaper reached out to her for comment.

“Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey on Friday evening, effective immediately. The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate this matter,” the NYPD said in a statement.

The allegations are currently being criminally investigated by the New York City Department of Criminal Investigation, sources told ABC News.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office is also investigating.

“These are extremely serious and disturbing allegations that allegedly occurred at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan,” a spokesman said. “We’re investigating.”

The city assumes that the accuser will file a statement of claim outlining her allegations.

Maddrey started with the NYPD in 1991 and rose through the ranks over the years.

His tenure as department head was turbulent.

A oversight panel recommended he be punished for interfering with an arrest in 2021. Former Commissioner Keechant Sewell agreed to the disciplinary action, but her successor Edward Caban dismissed the case.

Maddrey was previously accused of sexual harassment and gender discrimination, which he denied.

A spokesman for New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement on Saturday:

“We are deeply disturbed by these allegations and the NYPD is investigating this matter. Mayor Adams is working closely with Police Commissioner Tisch as the NYPD conducts a separate department-wide review to ensure that no senior officers are using their power inappropriately. We will refrain from further comment so as not to jeopardize either investigation.”

On Saturday, Tisch named John Chell acting department chief to oversee the NYPD’s crime-fighting strategies, quality of life initiatives and operational plans. Chell most recently served as patrol chief.

Transportation chief Philip Rivera will assume that role.

As transportation chief, Rivera was responsible for ensuring the safety of streets, bridges and highways throughout New York City.

———-

* Get eyewitness news

* More news from New York City

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Do you have a breaking news tip or idea for a story we should cover? Submit it to Eyewitness News using the form below. The terms of use apply to attaching a video or photo.