Show-Me State Times

A former police officer from Florissant, Missouri, Julian Alcala, 29, has been indicted by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis. The indictment accuses him of unlawfully searching the cell phones of 20 women to find nude pictures. He faces one count of destroying records in a federal investigation and 20 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law.

The charges allege that between February 6 and May 18, 2024, Alcala took possession of the women's cell phones under the pretense of verifying their insurance coverage or vehicle registration. He then allegedly searched for nude pictures and photographed them with his personal phone. Additionally, he is accused of texting a video found on one victim's phone to himself before attempting to delete evidence of the text.

Alcala is not the only former law enforcement officer facing similar charges this week. David McKnight, 39, was indicted by a grand jury in Cape Girardeau for similar offenses involving nine women between September 1, 2023, and August 19, 2024.

It is important to note that charges in an indictment are accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division stated: "If you feel uncomfortable about your encounter with law enforcement, please don’t hesitate to go to that department after the fact to report what happened." She added that if individuals feel their civil rights have been violated, they should contact the FBI as investigating criminal conduct by law enforcement officers is a top priority.

The FBI conducted the investigation into these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is leading the prosecution against Alcala.

Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through tips.fbi.gov.