Two former Missouri police officers face federal indictments in separate but similar cases for allegedly pulling over women drivers and illegally searching their phones for nude photos, prosecutors announced this week.
David McKnight, 39, a former Missouri State Highway Patrol officer, and Julian Alcala, 29, previously with the Florissant Police Department, were charged with violating women’s civil rights and destroying evidence. Their cases, while unrelated, reveal strikingly similar patterns of alleged misconduct.
McKnight allegedly targeted nine women between September 2023 and August 19, typically conducting traffic stops and demanding to search their phones under the pretense of verifying identity or insurance information. Prosecutors say he used his personal phone to photograph intimate images he discovered during these searches.
The Highway Patrol arrested McKnight on August 21, leading to his resignation five days later. “Patrol employees are held to high standards and if it is determined that those standards were not met, they are held accountable,” patrol Capt. Scott White said in an email. McKnight pleaded not guilty during Thursday’s court appearance.
Alcala’s alleged misconduct was more extensive, involving 20 women between February 6 and May 18, with five incidents occurring on a single day. The indictment states he confiscated phones under the guise of confirming insurance and registration, then searched for and copied intimate photos and videos.
“We are disgusted at this behavior, which is a complete betrayal of the values we uphold and in no way reflects the professionalism and integrity of our dedicated officers,” Florissant police said in a statement. Alcala, who joined the suburban St. Louis department in January 2023, resigned in June amid an FBI investigation.
He also faces four civil lawsuits against himself and the city of Florissant. Neither officer’s court records list current legal representation.
The cases highlight growing concerns about law enforcement abuse of authority during traffic stops and unauthorized access to personal devices. Both officers are accused of using their positions to violate citizens’ constitutional rights while destroying evidence to cover their tracks.
