Retired Lieutenant Quathisha Epps: An Alleged Victim of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment, Rape, and Sodomy

We are issuing this urgent public statement in response to serious legal and ethical violations concerning our client, retired Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, an alleged victim of quid pro quo sexual harassment, rape, and sodomy. To protect herself from retaliation, Ms. Epps claims that she was coerced into sending nude videos and nude pictures and engaging in sexual discussions with her abuser. She now suspects that her abuser secretly recorded their sexual encounters without her consent and is unlawfully retaining, using, or threatening to use these materials against her.

If proven in a court of law, the unauthorized recording, storage, or potential dissemination of these materials may constitute violations of federal and state law. Any attempt to retain, distribute, or use these materials against Ms. Epps could be unlawful, and we are committed to pursuing all available legal remedies to protect her rights and ensure accountability under the law.

Third-Party Involvement in Criminal Activity

Based on available information, there are concerns that third parties, including attorneys, agents, or other representatives of the alleged abuser, may be assisting or facilitating the retention and potential misuse of these materials.

Individuals acting on behalf of the alleged abuser—whether as legal counsel, intermediaries, or other agents—are strictly prohibited from participating in, concealing, or enabling illegal conduct. Any person who knowingly aids in the retention, transmission, or use of illicit materials, engages in coercion, extortion, or threats, or otherwise assists in efforts to obstruct justice will be held accountable under the law.

Attorneys, particularly as officers of the court, have a legal and ethical obligation to uphold justice and cannot use legal privilege to protect or facilitate criminal acts. Any lawyer found to be involved in criminal conspiracy, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, or unauthorized possession and use of non-consensual recordings will be subject to severe legal consequences, including formal complaints, disbarment proceedings, civil liability, and potential criminal prosecution.

The law does not protect attorneys, agents, or third parties who serve as accomplices to criminal activity. Any attempts to shield, facilitate, or enable unlawful behavior under the guise of legal representation, professional service, or other intermediary roles will not be tolerated. Those who engage in such misconduct will face legal action without exception.

Violations of Federal and State Laws

These unlawful acts violate multiple federal and state laws, which carry severe penalties:

Federal Statutes:

• Extortion and Blackmail (18 U.S.C. § 875): This statute addresses the transmission of threats via interstate or foreign commerce. Specifically:​

  • Subsection (b): Pertains to transmitting threats to kidnap or injure a person with the intent to extort money or something of value, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

  • Subsection (d): Addresses transmitting threats to injure the property or reputation of another, or to accuse someone of a crime, with intent to extort, punishable by up to two years in prison.

  It’s important to note that the penalties vary based on the nature of the threat and intent. ​

• Unlawful Surveillance (18 U.S.C. § 2511—Federal Wiretap Act): This statute prohibits the intentional interception, use, or disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications without consent. Violations can result in fines and imprisonment, the severity of which depends on the specific circumstances of the offense.​

• Obstruction of Justice (18 U.S.C. § 1503): This statute criminalizes endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due administration of justice. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years, though certain aggravating factors can lead to longer sentences.​

• Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371): This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to commit an offense against the United States or defraud it. Conviction can result in fines and imprisonment of up to five years.​

• Cyberstalking and Harassment (18 U.S.C. § 2261A): This statute addresses stalking, including conduct that causes substantial emotional distress or places a person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. Penalties vary based on the severity of the offense and prior convictions.​

New York State Statutes:

• Unlawful Surveillance (NY Penal Law § 250.45): This statute criminalizes the intentional use or installation of imaging devices to surreptitiously view, broadcast, or record a person dressing, undressing, or engaging in sexual or other intimate conduct without their consent. This offense is classified as a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.​

• Revenge Porn / Unlawful Dissemination of Intimate Images (NY Penal Law § 245.15): This statute makes it a crime to unlawfully disseminate or publish an intimate image of another person without their consent and with the intent to cause harm. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.​

• Coercion (NY Penal Law §§ 135.60 & 135.65): These statutes address coercion in the second and first degrees. Coercion involves compelling or inducing a person to engage in conduct they have a legal right to abstain from by instilling a fear that, if the demand is not complied with, the actor or another will cause physical injury, damage property, or engage in other specified conduct. Coercion in the first degree is a Class D felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison.​

• Extortion (NY Penal Law § 155.05(2)(e)): This statute defines larceny to include extortion, where property is obtained by compelling or inducing a person to deliver such property by instilling fear that, if the property is not delivered, the actor or another will cause physical injury, damage property, or engage in other specified conduct. When the property’s value exceeds specific amounts, this can constitute Grand Larceny in varying degrees, with Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison.​

• Witness Tampering (NY Penal Law §§ 215.10 & 215.11): These statutes make it a crime to intentionally prevent or attempt to prevent a person from testifying in a legal proceeding through intimidation, physical force, or threats. Witness tampering in the first degree is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.​

• Obstruction Governmental Administration (NY Penal Law § 195.05): This statute, titled “Obstructing governmental administration in the second degree,” criminalizes intentionally obstructing, impairing, or perverting the administration of law or other governmental function or preventing or attempting to prevent a public servant from performing an official function through intimidation, physical force, or interference. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.​

Additional Clarifications:

• Unlawful Surveillance in the First Degree (NY Penal Law § 250.50): This statute elevates the offense to a Class D felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison when the perpetrator has a prior conviction for unlawful surveillance within the past ten years.​

• Dissemination of an Unlawful Surveillance Image (NY Penal Law §§ 250.55 & 250.60): These statutes criminalize the dissemination of images obtained through unlawful surveillance. Dissemination in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor, while dissemination in the first is a Class E felony.

Any attorney who participated in illegal acts may be subject to professional disciplinary action, including potential disbarment, civil liability, and criminal prosecution.

Evidence Tampering and Cover-Up in the Chief of Department’s Office

Based on available information, we have reason to believe that a detective may have tampered with the Chief of the Department’s office immediately after Ms. Epps went public with her allegations of quid pro quo sexual harassment. Shortly after, the department removed furnishings, including carpeting, from the office where key incidents allegedly occurred.

If these actions were intended to interfere with an investigation, they may constitute obstruction of justice, which warrants a thorough, independent inquiry.

Call for Witnesses and Evidence

We are actively seeking witnesses and evidence related to this case. We are requesting:

• Surveillance footage from inside or around the Chief of Department’s office.
• Invoices or work orders related to the removal of furniture and carpeting.
• Disposal records that track where the removed furnishings were taken.
• Testimony from individuals with firsthand knowledge of evidence tampering or misconduct.

Confidentiality will be respected, and whistleblower protections apply to those who disclose information about the destruction of evidence or any related cover-up.

Seeking Other Alleged Victims of Jeffrey Maddrey’s Abuse Or Others    

We encourage individuals with relevant information regarding workplace misconduct, harassment, or retaliation involving Jeffrey Maddrey or others to come forward. If you were allegedly pressured into engaging in sexual activity in exchange for promotions, job security, or other career benefits, or if you were threatened, coerced, or retaliated against for refusing unwanted advances, we urge you to come forward. No one should be forced into exploitation, harassment, or coercion to maintain or advance their career.

We are gathering testimony and contemplating further legal actions from those who have been silenced, threatened, or suffered retaliation for speaking out. Your voice matters, and we are committed to taking all necessary legal measures to protect your rights, ensure your safety, and hold those responsible accountable.

Cease and Desist Demand

We are formally demanding that all individuals involved—third parties, including attorneys, agents, or other representatives of the alleged abuser—immediately cease and desist from any further retention, transmission, or use of these materials. Failure to comply will result in immediate and aggressive legal action, including:

• Filing criminal complaints with federal and state law enforcement agencies.
• Initiating civil litigation for damages and injunctive relief.
• Submitting a formal grievance with the Appellate Divisions of the 1st and 2nd Departments against any attorney involved.

Justice Will Prevail

We are taking decisive legal action to protect Ms. Epps, expose corruption, and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. This will not be ignored. The law is on the side of truth and justice.

If you have any information related to this case or have been an alleged victim of sexual misconduct, contact us immediately. Your identity will be protected, and we will do everything possible to ensure justice is served.

Eric Sanders, Esq.
Attorney for Ms. Quathisha Epps
The Sanders Firm, P.C.

General Disclaimer: This statement is based on allegations and available information. No conclusions regarding liability should be drawn without due process and legal adjudication.