A Dearborn Heights police officer has been placed on administrative leave after filing a lawsuit alleging he was sexually assaulted by a former supervisor inside the department’s headquarters.
Maxwell Bearden, a school resource officer, claims in the lawsuit that he was repeatedly assaulted by a sergeant between 2021 and 2022 while working as a new hire with the department. The assaults allegedly took place in the basement of the police station—specifically in the SWAT room—as well as in the sergeant’s private office. Bearden states the assaults included forced oral sex while on duty.
Following the alleged assaults, Bearden began experiencing severe mental health issues, including emotional breakdowns that ultimately led to his placement on administrative leave earlier this year. His attorney says the trauma went unaddressed for years until Bearden chose to come forward and seek justice.
The Michigan State Police Department has opened an investigation into the allegations.
Dearborn Heights Police Chief Ahmed Haidar acknowledged the lawsuit and voiced support for the ongoing investigation, noting the incidents occurred before his leadership.
“These deeply disturbing allegations stem from a period before I took leadership of this department,” Haidar said. “Our administration is committed to transparency, accountability, and full cooperation with the Michigan State Police. Officer Bearden deserves justice, and we stand behind a fair and thorough investigation.”
The lawsuit was filed in Wayne County Circuit Court. As of Tuesday, no criminal charges have been announced.
