Federal prosecutors announced on Mar. 10 that two former New York City Police Department officers, Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, have been charged with conspiracy against rights and willfully depriving an individual of her constitutional rights during an incident in July 2024 while they were on duty in the 115th Precinct in Queens. The indictment was unsealed in Brooklyn federal court, and both defendants were arrested and scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg.
The case is significant as it addresses alleged abuses of power by law enforcement officers, raising concerns about police accountability and public trust. According to the charges, McMillan and Colon responded to a non-emergency call regarding prostitution but instead committed criminal acts against a vulnerable woman.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. said, “As alleged, the defendants’ response to a 311 complaint about prostitution on their beat was to commit multiple criminal acts that shock the conscience and violated the civil rights of a vulnerable victim. Upholding the integrity of law enforcement and holding accountable those who violate their sworn duty will always be a priority of our Office. These defendants will be vigorously prosecuted because the community and their former colleagues in the NYPD deserve nothing less.” Nocella also thanked the Queens District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.
FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle, Jr. said, “Former NYPD officers Justin McMillan and Justin Colon allegedly failed to appropriately respond to a non-emergency call and instead used their official authority to commit a series of criminal acts, violating the rights of a vulnerable individual. In doing so, they allegedly betrayed their sworn commitment to serve and abused the power entrusted to them while on duty. While the overwhelming majority of NYPD officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and honor, the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who tarnish the badge.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said, “We hold our police officers to the highest standards and have zero tolerance for misconduct of any kind. The alleged actions taken by Justin McMillan and Justin Colon are despicable and a complete violation of the public’s trust in the NYPD. Let me be perfectly clear: Any officer who violates their oath will be investigated, exposed, and held fully accountable. That standard will never change.”
Court documents allege that after responding to a complaint at a residential building on 89th Street near Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights on July 19, 2024, McMillan and Colon turned off their body cameras, stole an entrance key from a woman exiting the premises without reporting it, then returned hours later where further crimes occurred involving theft from another woman.
If convicted on all counts, both men face up to ten years in prison. The government’s case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Reid from the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach efforts for victims according to its official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip as reported by its website, prosecutes federal crimes within its jurisdiction according to its official site, is led by Breon Peace as United States Attorney as noted online, covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island as well as Nassau County and Suffolk County according to its website, and serves as designated federal prosecutor’s office for these areas per its official page.
