A former New York Police Department officer has pleaded guilty to charges related to sending inappropriate messages to female crime victims and engaging in sexual activity with a woman shortly after arresting her. Matthew Lambert, 33, entered his plea on Wednesday in Manhattan to three counts of official misconduct and one count of receiving unlawful gratuities, both misdemeanors.

Lambert’s conduct occurred over several months in 2024 while he was assigned to the 13th Precinct detective squad, which handles investigations in parts of Midtown Manhattan. The officer joined the NYPD in 2014 and resigned from the force in December following the emergence of these allegations. As part of his plea agreement, Lambert consented not to seek another law enforcement position in New York State.

According to court documents, Lambert used his department-issued phone to send sexually charged and otherwise inappropriate text messages to women who were victims of crimes he was assigned to investigate. One woman, who reported a stolen package in March 2024, received messages including invitations for drinks and suggestions that Lambert was nervous about asking her out due to his role overseeing her case. His texts ranged from attempting to maintain professionalism to telling her she did not owe him anything.

In a separate case that same month, Lambert sent messages describing an assault victim as “beautiful” and expressed surprise at meeting her, further illustrating a pattern of misconduct toward women involved in investigations.

The most serious allegations involve a woman Lambert arrested for petty larceny in May 2024. After processing her arrest, Lambert told her he could likely secure a desk appearance ticket or her release to avoid prolonged custody. He then exposed her to explicit images of himself via phone. Shortly after issuing her the desk appearance ticket, he asked via text if he should “come say hello.” He later saved sexually explicit photos of the woman on his work phone, and according to court records, Lambert arrived at her Manhattan residence after midnight and engaged in sexual activity with her in his car.

The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, condemned Lambert’s conduct, stating it was not reflective of the treatment anyone should receive, whether as a victim, witness, or suspect. Lambert was sentenced to two years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and counseling. His attorney did not respond to a request for comment.