New York, NY – Two probationary New York City cops have been suspended and charged with burglary and forcible touching after allegedly breaking right into a residential building, stealing money, and assaulting a sex worker even as on duty. Prosecutors revealed Monday that the officers, Justin McMillan, 27, and Justin Colon, 24, deliberately grew to become off their frame cameras before committing the alleged crimes for the duration of a response to a grievance approximately an unlawful brothel.
The Allegations
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the officers, both assigned to the NYPD’s 115th Precinct, responded to a 311 call on July 19, 2024, concerning suspected prostitution internal a residential constructing on 89th Street. Instead of handling the state of affairs lawfully, authorities say McMillan and Colon engaged in criminal behavior that tarnished their responsibility as law enforcement officials.
Prosecutors allege that the 2 officers turned off their body-worn cameras upon arrival and approached a women leaving the building. They then took a key to the house from her earlier than leaving the premises. Eight hours later, they back, unlocked the door, and entered the residence with out permission.
Inside, they allegedly observed a female engaged in a sexual act with a man, who immediately fled the scene. McMillan is accused of stealing money from the lady’s purse and forcibly groping her before she managed to escape out and call 911 with the help of others. Instead of reporting the incidents, the officials returned to their stationhouse, making no file of their actions.
Charges and Legal Consequences
The officials now face serious criminal repercussions, with a complete of 8 crook costs filed against them. These costs encompass:
- Second-degree burglary
- Third-diploma burglary
- Forcible touching
- Petit larceny
- Four counts of official misconduct
If convicted of the top charge—2nd-degree burglary—McMillan and Colon should each face up to 15 years in jail.
Reactions from Officials
The case has sparked outrage among cops and town leaders, who emphasize that the alleged misconduct undermines public consider within the NYPD.
“The allegations in this example are an affront to the protect worn by way of the endless cops who serve and guard the citizens of this city,” said District Attorney Katz. “The defendants, each sworn NYPD officials, are accused of using their authority to break into a constructing, thieve money, and forcibly contact a women whilst on duty, with their body-worn cameras deliberately grew to become off in order that their misdeeds would now not be recorded.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed these sentiments, vowing to maintain all officers answerable for misconduct.
“We preserve our officials to the highest preferred of professionalism and integrity, and failing to meet that popular is disqualifying,” Tisch said. “Let me be flawlessly clean: Any officer who violates their oath might be investigated, exposed, and held completely responsible. That preferred will never change.”
What Remains Unanswered
While the criminal case moves forward, several information stay uncertain. Authorities have now not disclosed how a great deal money became allegedly stolen from the victim. Additionally, there are ongoing investigations into the exact nature of the officers’ interactions with the lady they first encountered outdoor the constructing.
The case has raised questions about whether there have been any previous court cases or misconduct troubles concerning McMillan and Colon in the course of their probationary period. Since each officials had been nonetheless beneath probation, their alleged actions could lead to instantaneous termination, regardless of the trial final results.
What’s Next?
Both officials had been released from custody and are scheduled to seem in court on April 28. The Queens District Attorney’s Office has indicated that further proof can be offered in the coming weeks as the research continues.
The case is possibly to spark in addition debates on police duty and misconduct, with community advocates calling for stricter oversight on officials’ use of frame-worn cameras and behavior during interactions with civilians.
As the NYPD works to restore public believe, town officers and regulation enforcement corporations will closely monitor the complaints to ensure justice is served.
