Two Former NYPD Officers Charged With Federal Civil Rights Violations

Earlier today, a three-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Justin McMillan and Justin Colon, two former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers, with felony conspiracy against rights and willfully depriving an individual of her constitutional rights while acting under color of law, in connection with an incident that occurred while they were on duty in the 115th Precinct in Queens, New York in July 2024. The defendants were arrested today and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg. They resigned from the NYPD in March 2025.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the charges.

"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," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "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."

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Queens District Attorney's Office for its assistance in the matter.

"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," stated FBI Assistant Director Barnacle. "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."

"We hold our police officers to the highest standards and have zero tolerance for misconduct of any kind," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. "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. I want to thank the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their work on this investigation."

As alleged in court documents, McMillan and Colon were police officers on duty in the 115th Precinct on July 19, 2024, when they responded to a 311-call related to prostitution inside a residential building on 89th Street near Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. When the officers arrived at the location, they shut off their body-worn cameras and stole a key to the entrance door from a woman who had just exited the premises. Without reporting the contact, the officers then proceeded with their foot patrol duties.

Approximately eight hours later, at about 4:50 a.m. on July 20, 2024, the defendants returned to the location, unlocked the entrance door with the stolen key and found a woman engaged in sex with a customer. The customer fled, leaving the victim naked and alone in the dark with the defendants. While Colon kept watch, McMillan stole money from the woman's purse and groped her bare breast and buttock. The victim fled, and the officers returned to their patrol and ultimately to their stationhouse.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, McMillan and Colon face up to ten years in prison.

The government's case is being handled by the Office's Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Reid is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

JUSTIN MCMILLAN
Age: 26
Atlantic Beach, Long Island

JUSTIN COLON
Age: 24
Long Island City, Queens

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-49 (FB)