Two former New York City police officers have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly stealing a key to a brothel, then returning hours later to rob and grope a sex worker. Justin McMillan, 26, and Justin Colon, 24, were charged Tuesday with conspiracy against rights and willfully depriving an individual of her constitutional rights, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
Prosecutors allege that in July 2024, the officers responded to a report of prostitution at a building in Queens. They switched off their body cameras, approached a woman leaving the building, and took a key to the residence from her, along with cash from her purse. Eight hours later, they returned, unlocked the door, and found a woman having sex with a man, who fled. McMillan then stole about $200 from the woman's purse and groped her while Colon kept watch.
The woman escaped and called 911. The officers returned to their station without reporting the incident. They were initially charged in state court with burglary, forcible touching, and official misconduct, but a judge dismissed the case in December after the Queens District Attorney's office failed to meet speedy trial rules. Both men were suspended and later resigned from the NYPD.
“The alleged actions taken by Justin McMillan and Justin Colon are despicable and a complete violation of the public's trust in the NYPD,” said Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The officers are due to be arraigned Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court. Their lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.
