Missouri
2 Missouri officers accused of stealing nude photos from dozens of women's phones at traffic stops
Two former Missouri officers were charged in separate, unconnected cases in federal court this week over allegations that they illegally searched women’s phones during traffic stops to obtain intimate, explicit images found on the devices.
Julian Alcala, 29, who was employed as an officer with the city of Florissant, is charged with 20 counts of deprivation of rights and a count of destroying records in a federal investigation, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri announced Thursday.
The deprivation of rights specifically refers to being free from unreasonable search and seizure, established in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
According to the federal indictment, Alcala would take women’s phones during traffic stops in order to confirm their insurance coverage or vehicle registration. But Alcala searched their phones for nude images and took photos on his own personal phone, the indictment said.
In one case, Alcala allegedly texted himself a video and deleted evidence of the text.
Alcala is accused of doing this to 20 women between Feb. 6 and May 18 of this year.
The Florissant Police Department said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday that it was completely unaware of the alleged behavior. Alcala had passed a “meticulous and thorough background investigation” during the hiring process and the department had not received a complaint about him in the 11 months of his employment.
“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,” the department said. “We recognize the gravity of this breach of trust and its impact on our community.”
Alcala resigned in June after the Florissant Police Department was contacted by the FBI regarding an investigation into him, according to the department statement.
Civil lawsuits have also been filed against Alcala and the city, including one which echoes an allegation made by federal prosecutors. A lawsuit filed in the same district court last month alleges that Alcala sent himself a private video made by a couple having sex.
The Jane Doe was pulled over in February, where Alcala allegedly took her phone back to his vehicle when she presented the insurance information that she stored on the device. The lawsuit said that she noticed “there was a deleted text message” from the time of the stop.
Alcala sent himself the video, deleted the message “in an effort to hide his tracks,” the suit said. He’s also accused of obtaining a nude photo from her phone in the same stop.
Attorney Bevis Schock is representing six people in civil litigation against Alcala in the city. He told NBC News affiliate KSDK that his clients are “real nice, normal people who do what police officers say.”
“The way this started was, the FBI called the victims,” Schock said. “And each victim said, ‘Well I got pulled over and he took my phone back.’”
Court records show a warrant was issued for Alcala on Wednesday but it’s unclear if he is in custody. He has not yet made an appearance in court and does not have an attorney listed.
NBC News was unable to find contact information for Alcala using public records in an effort to reach him for comment on the case. An attorney representing the city of Florissant in a civil lawsuit in the case did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A similar, but unconnected, case was filed by the U.S. Attorney’s office on Tuesday against a former Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.
David McKnight, 39, was indicted in the same federal court on nine counts of deprivation of rights and one count of destroying records. Federal prosecutors allege that he illegally searched the phones of nine women between September 2023 and August 2024 while working for the highway patrol.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, McKnight used his own phone to take pictures of nude images on the women’s phones after they gave him the devices to show their insurance or identification information. Most of the women were pulled over for traffic stops, the office said.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety told NBC News that records show McKnight surrendered his state peace officer license, “which means he can never work as a Missouri law enforcement officer again.”
The federal prosecutor’s office told NBC News that McKnight and Alcala’s cases are not connected. It’s unclear if either of the men are in custody.
A public defender assigned to McKnight’s case did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
Ashley Johnson, special-agent-in-charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, told people not to hesitate to report uncomfortable encounters with officers. Both cases were investigated by the FBI, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office press release.
“If you feel your civil rights have been violated, contact the FBI,” Johnson said. “Investigating criminal conduct by a law enforcement officer is among our top priorities.”
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 13, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from May 13 drawing
22-31-52-56-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 13 drawing
Midday: 2-6-1
Midday Wild: 7
Evening: 7-8-3
Evening Wild: 2
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 13 drawing
Midday: 5-8-3-5
Midday Wild: 0
Evening: 8-7-7-9
Evening Wild: 1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 13 drawing
Early Bird: 11
Morning: 15
Matinee: 14
Prime Time: 12
Night Owl: 11
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from May 13 drawing
04-08-18-19-27
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from May 13 drawing
08-13-39-63-66, Powerball: 02
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
- Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
- Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Job Point YouthBuild participants demonstrated their construction skills and shared their personal stories at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on April 21.
The event, hosted by the Missouri YouthBuild Coalition, brought together trainees, staff and partners from across the state, according to a community announcement. The day included hands-on construction demonstrations, youth-led advocacy and opportunities for participants to engage with policymakers.
A hands-on project
Trainees spent the morning constructing the framework of walls and portable chairs in teams, demonstrating the skills they are developing through YouthBuild programs in Columbia, St. Joseph and Cape Girardeau. At the end of the day, they assembled the walls to create a room, symbolizing the collaboration among trainees from different regions.
“It was a very good day. We had to build the chairs over there. I did a little measurement, cutting, all of that,” one Job Point YouthBuild student said in the announcement.
The experience highlighted not only technical skills, but also the importance of teamwork and communication, according to the announcement.
“Working together as a team, putting things together was exquisite. Communication was key,” another student shared in the announcement.
Sharing personal journeys
The event also provided a platform for participants to share their personal journeys. Many YouthBuild participants have faced significant barriers, including interruptions in education and limited access to employment opportunities. Through programs like Job Point’s YouthBuild, they are reconnecting with education, gaining workforce certifications and building pathways to meaningful careers, according to the announcement.
For students, the experience of participating in a statewide event and demonstrating their abilities in such a visible setting was both affirming and inspiring.
“I loved it! I had a great time. We built chairs. It was a good experience,” another participant said in the announcement.
Jerrell Morton, director of Job Point’s YouthBuild, emphasized the importance of visibility. Morton said in the announcement, “At its core, this day is about visibility — showing lawmakers, community leaders and the public what these young people are capable of. Our students aren’t just learning skills — they’re building confidence, leadership and a vision for their future.”
Addressing workforce needs
The event also highlighted the broader need for investment in workforce development initiatives like YouthBuild at the state level. Across Missouri, employers continue to report unfilled jobs and growing skills gaps. YouthBuild programs are helping to address that challenge by equipping young adults with practical training, work experience and the tools needed to succeed in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, IT and manufacturing.
For Job Point, participation in the event reinforced its commitment to empowering opportunity youth to overcome barriers, reclaim their education and achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability, according to the announcement.
“It’s a great experience. I love Job Point,” another student reflected in the announcement.
As the day concluded, trainees left with a new sense of confidence after meeting with their state representatives, senators and their staffers and standing up on the Missouri House and Senate floors, according to the announcement.
Job Point YouthBuild participants demonstrated their construction skills and shared their personal stories at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on April 21.
The event, hosted by the Missouri YouthBuild Coalition, brought together trainees, staff and partners from across the state, according to a community announcement. The day included hands-on construction demonstrations, youth-led advocacy and opportunities for participants to engage with policymakers.
A hands-on project
Trainees spent the morning constructing the framework of walls and portable chairs in teams, demonstrating the skills they are developing through YouthBuild programs in Columbia, St. Joseph and Cape Girardeau. At the end of the day, they assembled the walls to create a room, symbolizing the collaboration among trainees from different regions.
“It was a very good day. We had to build the chairs over there. I did a little measurement, cutting, all of that,” one Job Point YouthBuild student said in the announcement.
The experience highlighted not only technical skills, but also the importance of teamwork and communication, according to the announcement.
“Working together as a team, putting things together was exquisite. Communication was key,” another student shared in the announcement.
Sharing personal journeys
The event also provided a platform for participants to share their personal journeys. Many YouthBuild participants have faced significant barriers, including interruptions in education and limited access to employment opportunities. Through programs like Job Point’s YouthBuild, they are reconnecting with education, gaining workforce certifications and building pathways to meaningful careers, according to the announcement.
For students, the experience of participating in a statewide event and demonstrating their abilities in such a visible setting was both affirming and inspiring.
“I loved it! I had a great time. We built chairs. It was a good experience,” another participant said in the announcement.
Jerrell Morton, director of Job Point’s YouthBuild, emphasized the importance of visibility. Morton said in the announcement, “At its core, this day is about visibility — showing lawmakers, community leaders and the public what these young people are capable of. Our students aren’t just learning skills — they’re building confidence, leadership and a vision for their future.”
Addressing workforce needs
The event also highlighted the broader need for investment in workforce development initiatives like YouthBuild at the state level. Across Missouri, employers continue to report unfilled jobs and growing skills gaps. YouthBuild programs are helping to address that challenge by equipping young adults with practical training, work experience and the tools needed to succeed in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, IT and manufacturing.
For Job Point, participation in the event reinforced its commitment to empowering opportunity youth to overcome barriers, reclaim their education and achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability, according to the announcement.
“It’s a great experience. I love Job Point,” another student reflected in the announcement.
As the day concluded, trainees left with a new sense of confidence after meeting with their state representatives, senators and their staffers and standing up on the Missouri House and Senate floors, according to the announcement.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court issued opinions Tuesday in two cases concerning the state’s latest redistricting map.
Both opinions found the map meets constitutional requirements. As it is already in effect, it will stay in effect.
“Today’s Missouri Supreme Court rulings are a huge victory for voters,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a statement. “Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values — rooted in common sense, hard work, and personal responsibility — are stronger and far more aligned across both sides of the aisle than the extreme left-wing agendas pushed in states like New York, California, and Illinois. The Missouri First Map ensures those values are represented fairly and accurately at every level of government. This August, Missouri voters will head to the ballot box to vote for candidates in these newly drawn districts.”
The opinion in Elizabeth Healey, et al. v. State of Missouri, et al. stated residents failed to meet the burden required by Missouri law to demonstrate the map was unconstitutional.
This case raised an issue with Article III, Section 45 of the Missouri Constitution, which states that districts “shall be comprised of contiguous territory as compact and as nearly equal in population as may be.” But the court found the concerned residents were unable to prove the “legislature improperly deviated from the directives of article III, section 45.”
The second lawsuit, Jake Maggard, et al. v. State of Missouri, et al., took issue with which map was currently in effect. Residents gathered signatures they believed should stop the new map from going into effect until put before Missouri voters.
However, the court ruled unanimously that nothing in the constitution allows a referendum petition alone to automatically suspend legislation. It has yet to be determined if the referendum petition filing was “legal, sufficient and timely,” per the opinion.
Additional redistricting cases remain ongoing.
NAACP, et al. v. Kehoe will go before the Missouri Supreme Court on May 27. This case argues the governor didn’t have the power to call the “extraordinary session” in which the new redistricting map was adopted.
Additionally, People Not Politicians v. Hoskins will go before a judge in July. Though in a lower court, this case concerns the validity of the signatures people gathered to force a statewide vote on the map.
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