(WWJ) - A former Michigan lobbyist has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault as part of a sentencing deal, prosecutors say.
40-year-old Jonathan Byrd, of Battle Creek, pled guilty to one count of aggravated assault. This is part of a sentencing agreement that asked the judge to sentence Byrd to be incarcerated for 90 days, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The plea agreement also included mandatory alcohol testing, sex offender counseling and a probation period. Byrd is also banned from having contact with the victim. The plea agreement was reached between the defense and prosecutors, but officials say the judge has yet to agree to the sentencing suggestion.
“Today’s guilty plea and upcoming sentencing will put a predator behind bars,” Nessel said. “I am grateful for our prosecutors who held accountable a public figure, and especially for the victim whose bravery may put an end to one man’s predation of young women in politics. My office will continue to seek justice for victims of assault regardless of how well-connected their assailant may be.”
Byrd, who is described as a “prominent figure” in Michigan politics, worked as a lobbyist for the Michigan Laborers District Council, of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, or LiUNA.
The charge stems from an incident alleged to have happened at a social gathering in Kalamazoo County in April of 2022, where Byrd “forcibly moved the victim’s hand onto his penis.” Prosecutors said both Byrd and the victim worked in the same field, and there was a “significant” imbalance in power between the two.
Byrd was bound over for trial in August of 2023, where he faced a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Officials say Byrd has resigned both from LiUNA and the South-Central Michigan Area Labor Council of the Michigan AFL-CIO, where he served as president.
Byrd’s next court appearance is set for Jan. 8, 2024 at the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, where he will be sentenced by Judge Bridenstone.