The Michigan Attorney General announced that former LiUNA lobbyist Jon Byrd had pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. A new release indicates that 40-year-old Byrd, of Battle Creek, pled guilty to one count of Aggravated Assault in connection to a sentencing agreement that asks the judge to sentence Byrd to 90 days incarceration.

The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The plea includes a sentencing agreement with a period of probation, mandatory alcohol testing, sex offender counseling, and no contact with the victim. The sentencing agreement accompanying the plea was reached by the defense and prosecutors although it must still be approved by the judge.

Authorities say Byrd was a prominent figure in Michigan politics and governmental lobbying. He lobbied on behalf of his employer, the Michigan Laborers District Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America or LiUNA. Byrd was charged with one count of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in June.

It was alleged that Byrd forcibly placed a female victim’s hand onto his privates during a social event in Kalamazoo County in April 2022. Authorities say there was a substantial power imbalance between Byrd and the victim because of his position of influence in the Capitol and around the state.

Byrd has resigned from his position with LiUNA as well as his role as president of the South-Central Michigan Area Labor Council of the Michigan AFL-CIO. Byrd is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2024 in front of Judge Bridenstine in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court.