Two New York City police officers have found themselves on the wrong side of the law, indicted on charges that starkly contrast with their duty to serve and protect. The Queens District Attorney's Office announced the troubling news that Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, who were officers assigned to the 115th precinct, now face accusations including burglary, forcible touching, and official misconduct. The series of alleged offenses unfolded over the course of July 19th and 20th in 2024, as described by DA Melinda Katz.
In a statement obtained by the Queens DA's office, it's alleged that McMillan and Colon initially responded to a 311 call that was reporting prostitution at a residential building located in Jackson Heights. It was here that the two decided to shut off their body cameras and to take a building key from a woman exiting the premises. Later, supposedly still on duty, they used the key to enter the building again, finding a woman engaging in prostitution, leading to the subsequent theft of money and unwanted physical contact.
The allegations in this case have been described as an affront to the badge worn by the many police officers who serve and protect the residents of the city, according to DA Katz. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch also voiced strong concerns, emphasizing that wearing the uniform of a New York City Police Officer is one of the highest privileges in law enforcement, with the legitimacy of their work reliant on public trust. Tisch expressed gratitude for the Internal Affairs Bureau's role in the investigation and reaffirmed the NYPD's commitment to professionalism and integrity. Both McMillan and Colon are now suspended from the NYPD pending the outcome of the court proceedings.
The charges leveled against the officers include second and third-degree burglary, petit larceny, and multiple counts of official misconduct. Supreme Court Justice Jessica Earle-Gargan has set the stage for the defendants to return to court on April 28, and if convicted on the top count, they could face up to 15 years behind bars. The initial 311 call and intervention by the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau set off an investigation that brought these charges to light, revealing a breach of the trust placed in law enforcement officials, as detailed by the same press release.
Assistant District Attorney Christine Oliveri, with the help of Gregory K. Balkam, is prosecuting the case under the watch of Executive District Attorney for Investigations Gerard A. Brave. Both McMillan and Colon surrendered themselves to the IAB's Sexual Assault Investigation Unit and were placed on modified duty following the incident last August.
