Two former Missouri police officers, David McKnight and Julian Alcala, faced separate indictments this week for illegally searching women’s phones to find and take nude photos. McKnight, a former Missouri State Highway Patrol officer, victimized nine women between September 2023 and Aug. 19. He would pull over women for traffic violations, request to see their phones under the guise of verifying identity or insurance, and then photograph nude pictures with his own phone. McKnight was arrested on Aug. 21 and resigned five days later. He pleaded not guilty.
On the other hand, Alcala, a former Florissant, Missouri, officer, was accused of crimes involving 20 women between Feb. 6 and May 18. He confiscated phones from women under the pretense of checking insurance coverage and vehicle registration, searched for nude photos, and took pictures with his phone. Alcala also texted a video from a victim’s phone to his own. Multiple victims have filed lawsuits against him. Alcala resigned in June amid an FBI investigation.
The victims expressed their anger and disgust, calling the actions of the officers a misuse of power and a betrayal of trust. Both McKnight and Alcala are facing federal charges for depriving the rights of women and destroying evidence. The FBI encouraged anyone with information to come forward and report any concerning interactions with the officers.
The Florissant Police Department condemned the behavior, stating that it does not reflect the values and integrity of the department. The department acknowledged the breach of trust and emphasized the importance of reporting any encounters that make individuals uncomfortable. Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division reassured the public that investigating criminal conduct by law enforcement officers is a top priority.
The incidents involving McKnight and Alcala highlight the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and ensuring that they uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The impact of such breaches of trust on the community cannot be understated, and it is crucial for individuals to report any violations of their civil rights. The FBI is actively investigating the cases and urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
