A former New York Police Department (NYPD) captain, who has since been promoted to deputy inspector, is accused of subjecting a female officer to repeated sexual advances. His alleged actions included telling her he dreamed about having sex with her and sending her a pornographic video after she rejected him.
Officer Maria Delacruz claims Captain Amanjeet Sandhu was her commanding officer in Manhattan's Transit District 1 in 2023. She claims he repeatedly made inappropriate comments about her appearance and tried to pursue a personal relationship with her.
She also alleges that the unwanted attention continued after she transferred to another unit, while rumours about the pair contributed to a hostile working environment.
Sexual Harassment, Retaliation, and the NYPD’s Culture of Institutional Debauchery
— Eric Sanders, Esq. (@esq_sanders) October 25, 2026
The New York Post published an exclusive report today examining the disturbing allegations raised in the Summons with Verified Complaint I filed on behalf of my client, Police Officer Maria… pic.twitter.com/CdHlfCiagN
Married Captain Accused of Sexual Advances
According to the lawsuit, Sandhu began directing sexually explicit remarks towards Delacruz after he took command of Transit District 1 in January 2023. He reportedly commented on her breasts, buttocks and appearance, making her uncomfortable with repeated remarks about her body.
'If I was your man, I would slap that ass all the time', Sandhu allegedly told her, according to The New York Post.
The complaint states that Sandhu also told Delacruz about 'dreams in which he was having sex with her'. And on one occasion, he allegedly attempted to kiss her against her wishes while they were in a car, prompting her to pull away and tell him he was married.
The officer further claims that Sandhu expressed his desire to become her lover rather than remain her supervisor. Reportedly, he suggested that he would leave his wife to pursue a relationship with her.
The alleged advances continued at a departmental Christmas party in December 2023. Sandhu reportedly grabbed Delacruz's arm and said: 'You're coming with me tonight'. He insisted that she leave with him so they could spend the night together, but she refused.
Horndog NYPD capt. and jealous cop clique torment female officer after she spurns his advances, lawsuit claims https://t.co/pNmubcaZoA pic.twitter.com/Ys5VJ96UdX
— New York Post (@nypost) October 25, 2026
Pornographic Video Sent to Female Cop
Delacruz claims that Sandhu continued contacting her after she transferred out of Transit District 1 in 2024. In September that year, he is said to have sent her a disappearing WhatsApp message containing a pornographic video.
According to the lawsuit, the footage showed a dark-haired woman positioned over a naked man, manually stimulating his erect penis. Delacruz reportedly responded with shock and disgust after receiving the video.
The complaint also details other sexually explicit messages allegedly sent by Sandhu. He reportedly asked how many sex toys she owned and suggested buying her a dildo, while also questioning her about how frequently she had sex and masturbated.
Delacruz claims she repeatedly told him to stop asking such personal questions, making it clear that her private life was none of his business. The lawsuit also alleges that he later sent her an explicit photograph of a woman wearing a thong.
Seeking Accountability From NYPD
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court in October 2026, names Sandhu and other department personnel among the defendants. It seeks unspecified damages over allegations including sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation. An NYPD spokesperson said that the department had not yet been served with the lawsuit and would respond once it received the legal documents.
Delacruz remains an NYPD officer and has since been transferred to Manhattan North Patrol Borough in Harlem. She said she hopes speaking about her experience will encourage other female officers to report sexual harassment and feel safe seeking help.
