- Officers disabled body cameras during unauthorized brothel operation entry
- Multiple felony charges include burglary, sexual assault, and petit larceny
- Incident occurred during probationary period with modified duty status pending trial
The Queens District Attorney's Office has unveiled disturbing details about a July 2023 police operation that resulted in felony charges against two probationary NYPD officers. Justin McMillan, 27, and Justin Colon, 24, allegedly exploited their positions during a prostitution complaint response, committing multiple criminal acts while intentionally disabling body-worn cameras.
According to court documents, the officers first responded to a residential building in Queens regarding suspected illegal activity. After confiscating a key from a woman leaving the premises, they returned eight hours later without supervisory approval. Security footage shows the pair entering the property without warrants, where they allegedly stole $380 from a sex worker's purse before McMillan forcibly groped the victim.
Queens DA Melinda Katz emphasized the breach of public trust: When officers sworn to protect communities instead become predators, it undermines every legitimate law enforcement effort in our city.The case comes as NYPD faces scrutiny over probationary officer training protocols, with 14% of 2023 academy graduates receiving disciplinary actions within their first year.
Systemic Challenges in Police Oversight
- 2023 NYPD body camera compliance rates dropped to 82% for vice operations
- Probationary officers complete only 8 hours of ethics training annually
- Queens leads NYC boroughs in police misconduct complaints (38% of total)
A 2022 regional case study from the Bronx reveals parallels, where three officers received plea deals in similar brothel-related extortion cases. However, Queens prosecutors are pursuing maximum penalties under New York Penal Law § 140.25 for burglary, signaling tougher enforcement trends.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed both officers remain suspended without pay, stating: This administration will continue rooting out bad actors through improved body camera audits and mandatory bystander intervention training starting June 2024.The NYPD's internal affairs division reports a 19% increase in misconduct investigations since implementing new accountability measures last fall.
Legal experts suggest the case could set precedent for holding probationary officers to higher standards, with proposed legislation requiring monthly psychological evaluations during initial service periods. As public hearings begin April 28, advocacy groups demand structural reforms to prevent power abuses in vulnerable communities.
