Former NYPD Officers Indicted on Federal Charges After State Case Dismissal
Two ex-New York City police officers are now confronting federal indictments following the dismissal of their initial state charges due to a procedural technicality. Prosecutors allege that the officers stole a key to a brothel and subsequently robbed and groped a sex worker during an incident in Queens.
Details of the Federal Indictment
Justin McMillan, 26, from Long Island, and Justin Colon, 24, from Queens, were formally indicted on Tuesday. The charges include felony conspiracy against rights and willfully depriving an individual of her constitutional rights, as announced by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. This development comes after their state charges were dropped in December because the Queens District Attorney's office failed to comply with speedy trial rules.
Incident Overview and Allegations
According to federal prosecutors, the incident occurred in July 2024 when McMillan and Colon responded to a report of prostitution at a building in Queens. They are accused of turning off their body cameras, approaching a woman leaving the premises, and seizing a key to the residence along with cash from her purse. Eight hours later, they returned, used the key to enter, and encountered a woman engaged in sexual activity with a man, who fled immediately.
McMillan allegedly stole approximately $200 from the woman's purse and groped her, while Colon acted as a lookout. The victim managed to escape and later contacted emergency services. The officers did not report the incident upon returning to their station.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Initially charged in state court in March 2025 with burglary, forcible touching, and official misconduct, the case was dismissed and sealed after the procedural failure. Both officers were suspended following their arrests and have since resigned from the NYPD. They are scheduled for arraignment in Brooklyn federal court later on Tuesday. Their legal representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment on the federal charges.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the legal mechanisms that can lead to federal intervention when state prosecutions falter.
