KALAMAZOO (WWJ) -- A man described as a once prominent figure in Michigan politics has been bound over for trial on a misdemeanor sex charge.
The Michigan Attorney General's Office announced that 40-year-old Jonathan Byrd of Battle Creek on Thursday was bound over for trial on one count of fourth degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in connection with an incident at a party more than a year ago.
The AG noted that Byrd is known in the state as having been a "prominent figure in Michigan politics and governmental lobbying" on behalf of his employer, the Michigan Laborers District Council, of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, or LiUNA.
“My Department is committed to defending the rights of sexual assault victims,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel, in a statement. “We will continue to seek accountability on their behalf regardless of how well-connected a preparator may be and irrespective of whatever prominence they enjoy in the dealings of our government.”
According to investigators, Byrd and the victim were at a "social gathering" in Kalamazoo County in April of 2022, when Byrd is alleged to have "forcibly moved the victim's hand onto his penis."
The AG said Byrd and the victim were acquainted as they worked in the same field, and that Byrd held a position of much influence in the Capitol and around the state in the realm of government and politics. This provided a "significant power imbalance" between Byrd and the victim, the AG contends.
Byrd has since resigned from his job as director of external affairs for the Michigan Laborers’ District Council of LiUNA, as well as his role at the Michigan AFL-CIO.
If convicted as charged, Byrd could face up to two years in prison, and may have to register as a sex offender.
A date for his next appearance in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court had not yet been set.
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