The NYPD and the FBI executed search warrants at locations linked to current and former police officials early Wednesday as part of a criminal investigation, according to officials and two sources familiar with the matter.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the searches are part of a criminal investigation. She said the probe is ongoing and involves conduct by current and former members of the department.
Tisch didn’t say which members. Sources familiar with the investigation say it involves Deputy Chief of Manhattan South James McCarthy and Lt. James Lee, also with Manhattan South.
An NYPD spokesperson didn’t discuss the investigation but confirmed McCarthy had been placed on modified duty and transferred. Lee was placed on modified duty, as well.
Sources say former NYPD spokesman Tarik Sheppard is also a target of the investigation. They say Sheppard’s home was searched, and his phone was seized as part of the investigation.
Sheppard didn’t immediately return a request for comment Wednesday.
None of the three has been criminally charged.
Though Tisch didn’t elaborate on the case, the two sources familiar with the matter say the investigation is tied to ex-Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.
Maddrey, formerly the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the department, resigned in late December 2024 amid allegations he pressured a lieutenant into sex acts in exchange for overtime and other perks.
Tisch on Wednesday reaffirmed her commitment to rooting out corruption within the department.
“When I became Police Commissioner, I promised New Yorkers that under my leadership, the NYPD would conduct itself with integrity and that there would be a thorough investigation of any claim that members of service failed to meet that standard,” Tisch said in a statement.
“This investigation and our actions this morning are part of the ongoing effort to fulfill that commitment and hold the Department to its highest ideals,” the commissioner added.
The NYPD, the FBI and the Southern District of New York are leading the investigation.
More information is expected later Wednesday.
