LANSING ? Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Jonathan Byrd, 40, of Battle Creek with one count of fourth degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. ?Until recently, Byrd had 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. ?

Byrd is alleged to have forcibly moved the victim's?hand onto his penis at a social gathering in Kalamazoo County in April of 2022. Byrd and the victim worked in the same occupational field, and Byrd held a position of much influence?in the?Capitol and around the state in the realm of government and politics that provided a significant power imbalance between him and the victim.?

?In the state of Michigan we will hold sexual predators accountable no matter how well-connected they are and irrespective of?whatever prominence they enjoy in the dealings of our government,? said Nessel. ?

Byrd has since resigned from his employment as director of external affairs for the Michigan Laborers' District Council?of LiUNA and his role as president of the South-Central Michigan Area Labor Council of?the Michigan AFL-CIO. ?

A court date has yet to be scheduled.?

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Please note:? A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.? The Department of Attorney General does not provide booking photos.?

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