Two NYPD officers charged with forcibly touching sex worker, stealing her money: Report

The two police officers allegedly turned off their body cameras deliberately and forcibly touched a sex worker, stole money from her purse, while on duty.

Published on: Apr 1, 2025, 02:17:01 IST

By HT News Desk

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Two police officers in New York City have been suspended after they were charged with burglary and forcible touching a sex worker, while they were looking into a complaint about an illegal brothel, reported the Associated Press on Monday.

Two NYPD patrol officers were charged with forcibly touching a sex worker and stealing money from her purse (Representative image/ Getty Images)

Justin McMillan and Justin Colon were responding to a report of prostitution in a residential building, while on duty in July, 2024. The two police officers allegedly turned off their body cameras deliberately before breaking into the building.

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They purportedly accosted a woman at the entrance of the building and used her key to return to the residence eight hours later. They found a woman having sexual intercourse with a man, who immediately fled, and forcibly touched her.

The police officers then allegedly stole money from her purse, stated Queens district attorney Melinda Katz, as reported by AP.

Also Read: NYPD detective Melissa Mercado, who appeared in raunchy rap video, will no longer probe active cases in sex crimes unit

McMillan and Colon returned to the stationhouse, while the woman called 911 with the help of other people after running away from the scene of the crime.

They were both still on probationary status after entering the police academy in 2023.

Legal proceedings against NYPD officers

The two police officers pled not guilty to charges of burglary, forcible touching, petit larceny and official misconduct in a court in Queens on Monday, and were released. Their next hearing will take place on April 28.

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While their legal proceedings in the case continue, the officers have been suspended without pay. They were earlier placed on modified duty since August 2024 by the NYPD internal affairs bureau while an investigation against them was going on, reported AP.

Police commissioner Jessica Tisch said in an official statement, “We hold our officers to the highest standard of professionalism and integrity, and failing to meet that standard is disqualifying. Let me be perfectly clear: Any officer who violates their oath will be investigated, exposed, and held fully accountable. That standard will never change.”

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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