Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
Original Case Details
A now-former Flint police officer is facing multiple charges for multiple child sex offenses now with two alleged victims. Justin McLeod is alleged to have molested a girl under the age of 13 and another young female whose age has not been publicly disclosed. McLeod faces nine criminal charges related to each alleged victim. The second alleged victim is reportedly now an adult. She alleges that McLeod sexually abused her for a period of two and a half years while she was a child. McLeod faced initial investigation when the first alleged victim contacted a forensic nurse examiner and discussed her allegations of sexual abuse against McLeod. In response, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the Flushing Township Police Department, and the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST) worked together to raid McLeod’s residence to take him into custody. He was initially arraigned on nine felony charges related to the first alleged victim and about a week later was arraigned on nine more on a second alleged victim who just came forward. McLeod worked with the Flint Police Department for five years and was part of the K9 and motorcycle units. He remains in custody at the Genesee County Jail without bond.
Criminal Charges and Potential Penalties
Former Flint Police Officer Justin McLeod is facing what can essentially amount to multiple life sentences if he is convicted of all of alleged charges. With regard to each alleged victim, McLeod is facing the following criminal charges:
Alleged Victim #1
• Criminal sexual conduct first degree: 4 counts – A CSC 1st degree charge with a victim under 13 is a mandatory 25-life sentence upon conviction. A second offense is a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
• Criminal sexual conduct second degree: 2 counts – A CSC 2nd degree charge with a victim under 13 is 15-year maximum sentence upon conviction and requires registry under the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act as a Tier III offender.
• Accosting a child for immoral purposes: This is a felony that carries up to four years in prison upon conviction.
• Aggravated indecent exposure: This is a high-court misdemeanor which carries up to two years in prison upon conviction.
• Unlawful imprisonment: This is a felony charge that carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison upon conviction.
Alleged Victim #2
• Criminal sexual conduct second degree: 4 counts
• Accosting a child for immoral purposes:
• Extortion: This is a felony charge that carries up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.
• Assault with intent to commit sexual penetration: This is a felony charge that carries up to ten years in prison upon conviction.
• Distribution of child sexually explicit material: This is a felony charge that carries up to seven years in prison upon conviction along with a fine of up to $50,000.
New Allegations Against the Officer
McLeod faced allegations from a second accuser less than a week after initial allegations surfaced against the former police officer. If any additional accusers come forward against McLeod, then he will likely be facing additional charges and will repeat the process of being arraigned that has already happened twice in his cases. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson believes there may be other victims and accused McLeod of grooming his victims for years while abusing his position as a police officer.
What Happens Now?
McLeod will next face his first most important court date, his preliminary examination. If he is planning to fight these charges, then holding a preliminary examination hearing can be a smart and aggressive approach towards defending his case. A preliminary examination is a probable cause hearing where the prosecutor must show probable cause that a crime was committed and probable cause that it was the defendant who committed the crime. If a prosecutor can show probable cause either through live witness testimony in front of a judge or by waiver where the defense agrees that there is probable cause, then the case will continue forward to circuit court for further proceedings and eventual possible trial. If a prosecutor is unable to show probable cause, either by a lack of evidence or witnesses, then the judge can dismiss the case altogether. If a case seems destined for a trial, then holding a preliminary examination can be a great way to see and hear what evidence is likely to be presented against a defendant at a potential trial.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
At Grabel & Associates, we bring over 100 years of combined experience in successful representation of individuals facing criminal sexual conduct charges across Michigan. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-342-7896.