D.A. Bragg: Former NYPD Officer Pleads Guilty To Having Sex With Woman He Arrested, Sending Inappropriate Messages To Crime Victims

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the guilty plea of former NYPD officer MATTHEW LAMBERT, 33, for sending inappropriate messages to two women who were victims of crimes, and having sexual intercourse with a woman shortly after she was arrested. LAMBERT, who resigned from the NYPD in December 2025, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court to three counts of Official Misconduct and one count of Receiving Unlawful Gratuities.

As part of the plea, LAMBERT acknowledges that his resignation from the NYPD constitutes a "removal for cause," which means he will be unable to seek recertification to be employed as a police officer in New York State. He was also sentenced to probation and will be required to complete counseling and community service.

"The defendant's disturbing conduct is unacceptable for a member of law enforcement," said District Attorney Bragg. "In addition to sending extremely inappropriate messages to victims while he was investigating their cases, he abused his power to engage in a sexual encounter with a woman he had arrested just hours earlier. This is not how anyone should be treated - whether a victim, witness, or person accused of a crime. This behavior significantly damages faith in the criminal justice system and discourages people from coming forward to report crimes, which harms public safety."

As admitted in the defendant's guilty plea, LAMBERT joined the NYPD in 2014 and was assigned to the 13^th Precinct Detective Squad in 2022. In March 2024, he was assigned to an investigation into a missing package. Throughout the investigation and the duration of the case, LAMBERT, over the course of several months, frequently sent inappropriate text messages on his NYPD phone to the woman who reported the incident, including:

• "Not to be inappropriate, but do people tell you that you look way younger than you are."
• "Celebration drinks when this is over?" and "If you say no, I'm still gonna work hard on your case. I promise."
• "I was just nervous to ask you out because of the circumstances lol. Like me being in charge of your case. I was like I hope she doesn't feel obligated at all."

She eventually had to block LAMBERT's number on her phone.

That same month, LAMBERT was assigned to another investigation into an assault and frequently sent inappropriate text messages on his NYPD phone to the assault victim, including:

• "You are absolutely beautiful. I was shocked when I met you. I mean no disrespect to you and your relationship. I'm saying this in a respectful way. If that's even possible."

In May 2024, LAMBERT arrested a woman for Petit Larceny. While processing the arrest, LAMBERT told her that he could "probably" issue her a Desk Appearance Ticket ("DAT") and release her from custody, rather than transfer her to Central Booking to be arraigned.

LAMBERT also showed a nude photograph of his penis to her. LAMBERT eventually issued a DAT and, as they walked out of the station house, said, "I told you I was going to get you out."

Later that day, LAMBERT texted her, including, "If you want I could come say hello. Up to you. You tell me if you want me to."

LAMBERT eventually drove to her house, and they had sexual intercourse in LAMBERT's vehicle. Afterward, LAMBERT sent additional texts, including "You're so cool," and "Thanks for hanging out."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Tavish Deatley, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.'s Kristen Bitetto (Deputy Chief of the Police Accountability Unit) and Nick Viorst (Chief of the Police Accountability Unit). Investigative Analyst Carly Hacker, Senior Rackets Investigators Sergeant Michael-Paul Greenwood and Randy DaSilva also assisted with the case along with members of the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau, Groups 7 and 41.

Defendant Information:
MATTHEW LAMBERT
Queens, New York

Convicted:

• Official Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, three counts
• Receiving Unlawful Gratuities, a class A misdemeanor, one count

Sentenced:

• Two-years' probation
• 100 hours of community service
• Individualized counseling

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