PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has charged 31 year old Michael Rybinski of Wixom, a member of the Farmington Hills Police Department, with one count of 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and three counts of 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. The victim was a Farmington Hills Police cadet.
Investigators say on June 16 Rybinski called the cadet saying he was drunk and needed a ride. While in the car he allegedly tried to kiss and grope her despite repeated demands to stop. When they arrived at his destination, he allegedly refused to get out and fondled her again.
The next day the cadet reported the incident to the Farmington Hills Police Department. The case was turned over to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Special Investigation Unit.
Prosecutor McDonald said, “We entrust law enforcement officers with great power. Breach of that trust undermines public safety, and makes us all feel less safe. Under no circumstances is this alleged behavior ever acceptable. I applaud this victim for her courage to come forward.”
“Upon learning of pending charges, the Police Department immediately placed the employee on paid administrative leave, and his law enforcement authority was suspended,” said Farmington Hills City Manager Gary Mekjian and Police Chief John Piggott. “When the Department learned in June that the member was under criminal investigation, he was immediately placed on administrative duty in a non-enforcement role. The Department is conducting an internal investigation of the matter, in alignment with the collective bargaining agreement disciplinary process.”
3rd Degree CSC is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 4th Degree CSC is punishable by up to 2 years.
Charges are accusations and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
