A Farmington Hills police officer has been found not guilty of all charges after being accused of off duty sexual assault involving a police cadet in Wixom. The verdict opens the door for his possible return to the department.
A Farmington Hills police officer who faced criminal sexual conduct charges is now cleared. An Oakland County jury delivered the not guilty verdict on September 15, 2026. This ends more than a year of uncertainty for both the officer and the city's police force. The City of Farmington Hills and court records confirmed the outcome. Details are available from the Farmington Hills Police Department.
Officer Michael Rybinski was acquitted of third-degree and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges. The case came from an alleged off duty incident with a police cadet in June 2025. Prosecutors said Rybinski, who had been drinking, called the cadet for a ride in Wixom. They claimed he assaulted her during and after the drive. The Oakland County Circuit Court handled the case. The jury found Rybinski not guilty on all counts. More information is available from the Oakland County Circuit Court.
Details of the allegations
During the trial, prosecutors said Rybinski tried to kiss and grope the cadet inside her car. They also said he refused to get out and touched her again at their destination. Rybinski's defense argued that some of the alleged actions never happened and that any contact was consensual. After the charges surfaced in 2025, the Farmington Hills Police Department suspended Rybinski and put him on administrative leave. This followed the city's standard disciplinary rules for police. Reuters reported that the department started disciplinary steps right after learning about the allegations, following city policy.
Department response and next steps
Police Chief John Piggott said Rybinski fully cooperated with the department's internal investigation and always maintained his innocence. Now that he has been acquitted, Rybinski can ask to return to his job. The department has not said when it will make any decisions about his employment. The city released a statement saying it respects the court process and the closure the jury's decision brings. Officials stressed the importance of due process and transparency in city government. The City of Farmington Hills shares public safety news and department updates through its official channels.
Legal outcome and community impact
Rybinski's attorney, Colin McLaughlin, said the not guilty verdict means his client avoids a possible long prison sentence. The case brought a lot of attention to the Farmington Hills Police Department. No further details about the internal investigation or the reinstatement process have been released. Officials cited union rules and privacy protections for city workers.
The Farmington Hills Police Department, like other agencies in Oakland County, follows set procedures when officers face allegations. These include administrative leave and internal review. With the acquittal, the department now has to decide if and how Rybinski will return, weighing legal requirements, union contracts, and public trust. The case shows how complicated it can be for local governments when criminal charges overlap with job rights and community expectations. Residents can find more information about city council meetings and public safety updates on the Farmington Hills City Council agenda portal.
