NEW YORK CITY — Two NYPD officers were arrested for allegedly stealing money from a sex worker and groping her after police were called to respond to a prostitution complaint at a brothel.

The district attorney said the alleged incident happened last summer in Queens after officers Justin Colon, 24, and Justin McMillan, 27, allegedly stole keys to a brothel. They were dispatched earlier that day to respond to a complaint about prostitution. They returned to the location about 8 hours later and allegedly groped a sex worker who called 911 and reported the alleged incident.

Prosecutors also alleged Colon and McMillan turned off their body-worn cameras before entering the establishment.

The accused officers appeared in Queens Supreme Court in handcuffs on Monday. They were arraigned on an eight-count indictment, including charges of official misconduct, burglary, forcible touching, and petty larceny. They have reportedly been with the department for under two years.

In a news release, District Attorney Melinda Katz said:

“The allegations in this case are an affront to the shield worn by the countless police officers who serve and protect the residents of this city. The defendants, both sworn NYPD officers, are accused of using their authority to break into a building, steal money and forcibly touch a woman while on duty, with their body-worn cameras intentionally turned off so that their misdeeds would not be recorded. I thank the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau for their crucial assistance in bringing charges against the two defendants, both of whom are now indicted and face justice in our courts.”

Both have been suspended without pay. If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison.

More on the allegations and investigations into NYPD misconduct.