Two rookie NYPD officers, Justin McMillan, 27, and Justin Colon, 24, have been arrested for allegedly groping and robbing a prostitute inside a Queens brothel while on duty, authorities revealed Monday. The officers, who were assigned to investigate prostitution at the location, reportedly turned off their body-worn cameras to conceal their actions.
The officers were arraigned on an eight-count indictment in Queens Supreme Court, facing charges including burglary, forcible touching, petty larceny, and official misconduct. The incident, which occurred on July 19, 2024, was brought to light following an NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau investigation sparked by a 911 call from the victim.
According to Assistant District Attorney Christine Oliveri, McMillan and Colon had initially responded to a 311 complaint about prostitution at a residential building in Jackson Heights. They briefly activated their body cameras, then turned them off after claiming they saw no illegal activity. However, the officers allegedly returned to the building hours later, having stolen a key from a woman they encountered outside.
Using the stolen key, the officers re-entered the building, forcibly removed a man from the brothel, and proceeded to harass the woman, who had been hired for sex. The officers allegedly took money from her, and McMillan groped her breast and buttocks. The woman fled and contacted authorities, leading to the officers’ suspension and subsequent arrest.
Following their arrests, McMillan and Colon were suspended without pay. Both have denied the allegations, with their legal representatives asserting their intention to fight the charges. McMillan, who lives in Atlantic Beach, Long Island, and Colon, from Long Island City, are currently facing probationary status as they have each been with the NYPD for less than two years.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that any officer found guilty of violating the public trust will face full accountability. Both officers, who joined the force in 2023, have been stripped of their guns and shields and reassigned to desk duty while investigations continue.
