NYPD inspector bumped for keeping more than 70 troubled recruits at academy — including ex-‘sex for OT’ cop’s nephew: sources

According to sources in law enforcement, an NYPD inspector, Terrell Anderson, was quietly removed from his position at the police academy for allegedly allowing over 70 recruits to remain despite failing mental health evaluations. Anderson, who oversaw the “Candidate Assessment Division,” was reassigned to the housing unit on May 12 as part of an Internal Affairs Bureau investigation. Among the recruits kept on was Emilio Andino, the nephew of former NYPD Lt. Quathisha Epps, who was involved in a sex-for-OT scandal.

Anderson reportedly claimed that he was instructed by Epps to retain Andino at the academy, even though he should have been disqualified. Sources also mentioned that other high-ranking NYPD officials pressured Anderson to keep unqualified recruits to address the department’s shortage of personnel.

Andino, who was suspended for allegedly hitting another recruit, has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination linked to his aunt’s scandal. The department has been dealing with a decrease in staff numbers, prompting adjustments to recruitment standards. Last month, the first class under the eased standards graduated, with the goal of having 35,000 officers in uniform by the following year.

Epps, who accused former Chief Jeffrey Maddrey of extorting her for sex, had significant influence in the department before retiring. Maddrey, who claimed the encounters were consensual, retired following the scandal.