Dearborn Police Officer Charged with Sex Crime

DEARBORN, MI — A Dearborn police officer will be charged with a sex crime and has been suspended without pay over allegations that he groped a female acquaintance during a May traffic stop.

Justin Smith, 36, was arraigned on second-degree criminal sexual conduct charge and common law offenses in 19th District Court Thursday and was released from custody after posting a $10,000 personal bond, according to a statement.

He is due back in court Friday for a probable cause hearing and Sept. 9 for a preliminary hearing.

Authorities did not disclose the exact nature of the alleged offense, and court records are sealed from the public.

In a statement Tuesday, Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said his department is “committed to remaining completely transparent in matters of this nature, and we will continue to do that during the course of this investigation.”

An internal investigation surrounding the allegations is under way, Haddad said.

Photo: Dearborn Police Department