Introduction to the Lawsuit
The NYPD’s former chief of detectives filed a lawsuit Tuesday alleging he was forced out of the department and retaliated against because he raised concerns over what he viewed as improper promotions and transfers, and because former NYPD leadership was “selling promotions” for up to $15,000, a copy of the complaint says.
Background of the Case
Chief James Essig retired in September 2023 and says he was forced out as a three-star chief after a 40-year career after he challenged former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey and former NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban, then the first deputy commissioner, over what he considered promotions and transfers to specialized units within the Detective Bureau that didn’t align with department policy.
Allegations of Improper Promotions
The suit alleges that starting in 2023, Maddrey sought to bypass the official transfer process. It says, “Essig noticed that there were a high number of unusual and/or unvetted transfers of Investigators to the CTFD [Criminal Task Force Division]. “
The suit alleges that, “other officers in Essig’s office who were also involved in oversight of the transfer process began to notice that unqualified or inexperienced Detective Investigators were being referred for transfer, or were being placed into CTFD units despite being rejected as unqualified or inexperienced.”
Response from NYPD Leadership
The suit says that Essig went to then-First Deputy Police Commissioner Caban with his concern about transfers of investigators saying, “We can’t be doing this.”
The suit alleges that Caban responded by saying, “Do you have a problem with this?”, and that since Caban was Essig’s superior, Essig felt he could not directly challenge Caban.
Selling Promotions
The suit continues, alleging Maddrey was involved in the transfers but it was Caban who also had friends and “cronies” selected for discretionary promotions that bypassed the official process.
“Upon information and belief, this is because Caban was selling promotions in exchange for up to $15,000”, the suit alleges.
Transfers into Special Units
The suit raises questions about transfers into the NYPD’s Special Victims Division. It says, “an unusually high number of unvetted detectives were being transferred into the Special Victims Unit (‘SVU’).”
Because of the challenges of that unit the suit says it was under significant outside scrutiny and the suit says, “Essig was especially wary about unvetted transfers into and promotions within SVU because he knew that when he testified at oversight hearings, the City Council would ask very detailed questions about the procedures SVU used for selecting detectives.”
Forced Retirement
Essig alleges that Caban and Maddrey came up with a plan “with the implied and tacit approval of defendant Mayor Adams” to force his retirement from the NYPD.
The suit alleges, “In August 2023, in accordance with the aforementioned plan, Caban offered Essig two options: either accept a demotion to Captain (a position five ranks below his current rank of three-star chief) and accept a salary cut of between $40,000-$50,000 per year or resign.”
As a result, Essig says he was forced to retire before he planned.
Lawsuit Details
He is suing for lost wages, pay increases, and commensurate increases to his pension, as well as punitive damages, and court fees.
Three other former members of the NYPD have also filed lawsuits.
Response from City Hall
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said City Hall will review the lawsuits.
"The Adams administration holds all city employees — including leadership at the NYPD — to the highest standards, and our work at the department speaks for itself: crime continues to topple month after month both above and below ground, with our city seeing lowest number of shootings in recorded history," Press Secretary Kayla Altus said. "That is no coincidence — it’s thanks to the Adams administration’s laser focus on public safety. We will review the lawsuits."
Response from Defendants
Caban’s attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, partners at Cooley LLP, released a statement calling the allegations baseless.
"There is no merit to the allegations raised in these complaints, including the unsupported and reckless suggestion that former Commissioner Caban accepted anything of value in connection with promotions," the statement said. "Former Commissioner Caban will vigorously defend against these claims and is evaluating all available legal options in response."
A request for comment to Maddrey’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned.
An attorney for Philip Banks, a former deputy mayor of New York City for public safety and a retired law enforcement officer who served as NYPD’s chief of department for two years, says he’s done nothing wrong.
“Mr. Banks has nothing to do with this case and has been named in many inquiries but has done absolutely nothing wrong," attorney Benjamin Brafman said.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by former NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig alleges serious misconduct within the NYPD, including the sale of promotions and improper transfers. The case has sparked a response from City Hall and the defendants, with Caban’s attorneys calling the allegations baseless. The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but it has already raised important questions about accountability and transparency within the NYPD.
FAQs
Q: What are the allegations made by former NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig?
A: Essig alleges that former NYPD leadership was “selling promotions” for up to $15,000 and that he was forced out of the department for raising concerns about improper promotions and transfers.
Q: Who are the defendants in the lawsuit?
A: The defendants include former NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban, former NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, and Mayor Adams.
Q: What is the response from City Hall to the lawsuit?
A: City Hall has stated that it will review the lawsuits and that the Adams administration holds all city employees to the highest standards.
Q: What is the response from the defendants to the allegations?
A: Caban’s attorneys have called the allegations baseless, and Maddrey’s attorney has not commented. Philip Banks’ attorney has stated that Banks has done nothing wrong.
Q: What are the implications of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit raises important questions about accountability and transparency within the NYPD and has sparked a response from City Hall and the defendants. The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen.
