NYPD detective avoids prison for sex with arrestee, gets probation

Matthew Lambert, a former New York City detective, will not serve prison time after admitting to abusing his authority to engage in sexual misconduct with women he encountered during his investigations. He pleaded guilty to official misconduct and receiving unlawful gratuities.

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The defendant's disturbing conduct is unacceptable for a member of law enforcement.

Instead of jail, Lambert received two years of probation, mandatory counseling, and 100 hours of community service. He resigned from the police force last year and is permanently barred from working as a police officer in New York. This resolution follows a pattern of behavior where Lambert exploited his position, targeting women connected to his cases.

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You're so cool

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg criticized Lambert's actions, stating they were unacceptable for law enforcement. The prosecution highlighted an incident in May 2024 where Lambert arrested a woman for petit larceny. He offered her a deal to avoid standard booking, showed her a photo of his penis, and then drove to her home for sex. He later texted her, "You're so cool," and thanked her for "hanging out."

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hanging out

Further details revealed Lambert also targeted women who had reported crimes. In March 2024, he used his official phone to send personal messages to a woman reporting a missing package, suggesting drinks after the case. He also texted a victim in an assault case, calling her "absolutely beautiful." Lambert joined the NYPD in 2014 and was promoted to detective in 2022. He resigned in 2025 as the misconduct investigation progressed.

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absolutely beautiful