Former Missouri police officers are accused in two separate cases of pulling over women and searching their cellphones for nude photos.
On Tuesday, 39-year-old former Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper David McKnight. be indicted by a grand jury The press release states the case was filed in U.S. District Court. McKnight, who resigned from the force in August, is suspected of stealing cellphones from nine women and, after discovering nude and sexually explicit photos, taking photos with his own cellphone. . McKnight allegedly told the women he needed their cellphones to verify their insurance and identify themselves. He eventually deleted those photos from his phone, a press release alleges, citing the indictment. The crimes are said to have taken place between September 1, 2023 and August 19, 2024.
Associated Press It is reported that McKnight was arrested by patrol agents on Aug. 21 and resigned a few days later. He is currently charged with one count of destroying records in a federal investigation and nine counts of deprivation of rights related to unreasonable search and seizure.
On Thursday, another former Florissant, Missouri, police officer, Julian Alcala, 29, was charged with doing exactly the same thing. another federal government press release They accused Alcala of searching the cell phones of 20 different women. Like McKnight, authorities allege Alcala intended to take nude photos found on the women’s cell phones.
seattle times It is reported that Alcala was not part of the police department. length, joining in January 2023. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, the charges occurred between February 6, 2024 and May 18, 2024. Alcala faces the same charges as McKnight.
In a statement posted on Its Facebook pageThe Florissant Police Department said the following regarding the allegations against Alcala: “We are disgusted by this behavior. It is a complete betrayal of the values we stand for and in no way reflects the professionalism or integrity of our dedicated police officers.” We recognize the gravity of this breach of trust and its impact on our community. ”
The statement continued: “Alcala was hired as a full-time police officer in the City of Florissant after a thorough background check revealed nothing of concern. 11 months. During my employment, I received no complaints or accusations of misconduct.
Prosecutors are asking others who may have been affected by similar crimes to come forward.
Gizmodo has reached out to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for comment.
