FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – A Farmington Hills officer is facing charges after he allegedly “forcibly fondled” a police cadet, officials said.
Michael Rybinski, 31, of Wixom, has been charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct (punishable by up to 15 years in prison) and three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (punishable by up to two years in prison), according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
On Monday, June 16, Rybinski allegedly called the victim. He told her he was drunk and needed a ride.
While he was in the car with her, Rybinski allegedly tried to kiss and grope her, “despite repeated demands that he stop,” according to the prosecutor’s office.
Once they arrived at his destination, the prosecutor’s office said Rybinski allegedly refused to get out of the police cadet’s car and “allegedly forcibly fondled the victim again.”
“We entrust law enforcement officers with great power,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “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.”
The victim reported the assault to the Farmington Hills Police Department the day after it happened. The case was then referred to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit, per department procedures.
Rybinski was initially put on “administrative duty in a non-enforcement role,” but once the department learned about the charges, he was “placed on paid administrative leave, and his law enforcement authority was suspended,” according to Farmington Hills City Manager Gary Mekjian and Police Chief John Piggott.
Here’s the full joint statement that Mekjian and Piggott released:
“The City of Farmington Hills is aware that the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has filed criminal charges against a member of the Farmington Hills Police Department related to an off-duty incident outside of the City of Farmington Hills. While the charges are serious in nature, at this time they are merely allegations, and the member is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Upon learning of pending charges, the Police Department immediately placed the employee on paid administrative leave and his law enforcement authority was suspended. 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.
The alleged conduct does not reflect the values or standards of the City of Farmington Hills or the Farmington Hills Police Department. As a City, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all members of our community and staff.
While this process is ongoing, we extend our sincere concern to all those who may be affected by these allegations. The City is committed to transparency, accountability and upholding public trust.
Out of respect for the judicial process, there is no further comment at this time.”
City of Farmington Hills City Manager Gary Mekjian and Police Chief John Piggott