New York City police department patrol car-stock photo

Two rookie nyc cops indicted for groping hookers during prostitution call — New York City police department patrol car-stock photo

QUEENS, N.Y. — Two probationary NYPD officers assigned to the 115th Precinct have been indicted on multiple charges, including burglary and forcible touching, in connection with an incident involving a prostitution complaint in Jackson Heights, officials announced Monday.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Justin McMillan, 27, of Atlantic Beach, and Justin Colon, 24, of Long Island City, were arraigned on an eight-count indictment stemming from events that took place on July 19 and 20, 2024.

The charges include second and third-degree burglary, forcible touching, petit larceny, and four counts of official misconduct.

According to the indictment, the officers initially responded to a 311 quality of life call reporting prostitution inside a residential building on 89th Street. After arriving at the scene, the officers allegedly turned off their body-worn cameras and took a key from a woman who had exited the building. They left without filing a report.

Approximately eight hours later, McMillan and Colon returned to the location, entered the building using the key, and encountered a woman engaging in prostitution. After the man with her fled, McMillan allegedly stole money from the woman’s purse and groped her before she ran out and called 911.

“This case is an affront to the shield worn by the countless police officers who serve and protect the residents of this city,” said DA Katz. “The defendants are accused of abusing their authority to commit crimes while on duty.”

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch added, “When trust is broken, as it was in this case, the entire police department must answer for it. Any officer who violates their oath will be held fully accountable.”

The investigation was led by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the DA’s Public Corruption Bureau. Both officers, who joined the NYPD in 2023, were placed on modified duty in August 2024 and are now suspended.

Supreme Court Justice Jessica Earle-Gargan ordered McMillan and Colon to return to court on April 28. If convicted of the top charge, each faces up to 15 years in prison.

Key Points

NYPD officers Justin McMillan and Justin Colon indicted for burglary, forcible touching, and misconduct.
The officers allegedly stole a key, re-entered a building, and groped a woman during a prostitution response.
Both were suspended and face up to 15 years if convicted of the top charge.

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