Matthew Lambert, 33, of Queens, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court to three counts of official misconduct and one count of receiving unlawful gratuities, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, June 10.
According to prosecutors, Lambert joined the NYPD in 2014 and was assigned to the 13th Precinct Detective Squad in 2022. He resigned from the department in December 2025.
Prosecutors said Lambert was assigned in March 2024 to investigate a missing package case and repeatedly sent personal and flirtatious messages to the woman who reported the incident.
The messages included comments about her appearance, including one text that read, "Not to be inappropriate, but do people tell you that you look way younger than you are."
Another text read, “Celebration drinks when this is over?” followed by "If you say no, I’m still gonna work hard on your case. I promise," according to prosecutors.
The victim eventually blocked Lambert's number on her phone.
The same month, prosecutors said Lambert was assigned to investigate an assault and also sent inappropriate messages to the victim in that case, including one that read, "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 a separate incident in May 2024, Lambert arrested a woman on a petit larceny charge. Prosecutors said he told her he could likely issue her a desk appearance ticket rather than have her processed through central booking.
He also showed her a nude photo of his penis, the DA's Office said, adding that he eventually issued a desk appearance ticket and said, "I told you I was going to get you out," as he walked her out of the station.
Later that day, Lambert contacted the woman and drove to her house, where they had sex in his vehicle.
After that, he continued messaging her, texting, "You’re so cool,” and “Thanks for hanging out," prosecutors said.
As part of his plea agreement, Lambert acknowledged that his resignation constitutes a removal for cause, making him ineligible to seek recertification as a police officer anywhere in New York State.
He was sentenced to two years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and individualized counseling.
The case was investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office with assistance from the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau.
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