In two unconnected cases, former Missouri law enforcement officers face federal charges surrounding serious abuse of authority. Each suspect’s indictment details how they reportedly searched women’s phones during traffic stops. One officer worked at a local police department while the other served as a State Highway Patrol trooper. Both cases accuse the men of accessing intimate images stored on the devices without permission.

Julian Alcala, 29, faces 20 counts of deprivation of rights and one count of destroying records in a federal investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. He worked in the Florissant Police Department in the St. Louis area. Federal prosecutors allege that Alcala used routine traffic stops as an excuse to take hold of women’s phones. He would “check” their digital proof of insurance or registration. Reportedly, he’d then search for and steal nude photos and videos, often taking photos of the images with his personal phone.

In one instance, authorities claim Alcala texted himself a private video from a woman’s phone. It seems he then deleted the text thread from her device.

The alleged incidents occurred between February 6 and May 18. The Florissant Police Department said they were unaware of the allegations until contacted by the FBI. The department noted that Alcala passed a “thorough background check” upon his hiring 11 months prior. He was with the local department for about 11 months. NBC News confirmed Alcala resigned in June amid the investigation.

Civil lawsuits against Alcala and the city followed. One was filed by a woman who alleges Alcala sent himself an intimate video during a February traffic stop. “This is a complete betrayal of the values we uphold,” Florissant Police said in a statement. The department expressed disgust and emphasized that Alcala’s actions do not reflect the professionalism expected of their officers.

Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper faces similar allegations

In a separate case, David McKnight, 39, a former Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper, was indicted on nine counts of deprivation of rights and one count of destroying records. Prosecutors allege that McKnight accessed nude images from the phones of nine women during traffic stops between September 2023 and August 2024.

Like in Alcala’s case, McKnight reportedly photographed “very personal” images using his own phone. He resigned in August after a criminal investigation began, and he surrendered his state peace officer license, ensuring he can’t serve in Missouri law enforcement in the future. He worked as a state trooper for about three years.

Both cases draw widespread condemnation

Attorney Bevis Schock, representing multiple civil lawsuits against Alcala, described the victims as “ordinary people who complied with what police asked.” Both Alcala and McKnight are accused of preying on trust during routine stops, leaving many questioning the systems in place to prevent such abuses.

Ashley Johnson, special agent in charge of the FBI’s St. Louis Division, urged the public to report any uncomfortable encounters with law enforcement. “Investigating criminal conduct by officers is among our top priorities,” Johnson said.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office clarified that the cases are unrelated, but they reflect a disturbing misuse of power during traffic stops. Both former officers face serious consequences if convicted, with trials pending. Records show McKnight pleaded not guilty after being taken into federal custody on November 14.