Michigan Woman Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Teen in Wexford County

Justine Bradley Miller, 35, of Louisville, Kentucky, pled guilty to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct in Wexford County, Michigan, on January 26. The guilty plea came on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in the case involving the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the plea.

Delayed Justice and a Multi-Agency Effort

The offenses began in the fall of 2016, with the exchange of sexually explicit materials alongside the assaults. Investigations were initially conducted by the Cadillac Police Department and the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit in 2017. However, the case remained in warrant status for nearly eight years.

Did You Know? Miller was apprehended in Kentucky as part of Operation Survivor Justice, a collaborative effort to locate and return fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants to Michigan.

Miller’s arrest occurred in January 2025 through “Operation Survivor Justice,” a partnership involving the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service. She was subsequently extradited to Cadillac, Michigan, to face the charges.

The Significance of Operation Survivor Justice

Attorney General Nessel highlighted the importance of collaboration in securing the conviction. She stated that Operation Survivor Justice demonstrates a commitment to holding offenders accountable, even after they attempt to evade legal proceedings, and to pursuing justice for survivors.

Expert Insight: The extended period between the initial investigation in 2017 and the arrest in 2025 underscores the challenges inherent in pursuing cases involving fugitives and the importance of sustained, coordinated law enforcement efforts.

Miller pled guilty to one count each of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Child Sexual Abusive Activity, and Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Sentencing is scheduled for March 16 at 3 p.m. before visiting Judge Charles Hamlyn in the 28th Circuit Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges did Justine Bradley Miller plead guilty to?

Justine Bradley Miller pled guilty to one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, one count of Child Sexual Abusive Activity, and one count of Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.

When and where will Miller be sentenced?

Miller will be sentenced on March 16 at 3 p.m. in the 28th Circuit Court by Judge Charles Hamlyn.

What is Operation Survivor Justice?

Operation Survivor Justice is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, local county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.

What role do collaborative efforts play in bringing long-delayed justice to survivors of sexual assault?