Missouri trooper Admits To Hunting For Nude Photos On Women’s Phones During Traffic Stops

A former Missouri State Highway Patrol officer has admitted to violating the constitutional rights of multiple women by searching their cell phones for private, nude images during traffic stops. David McKnight, 40, entered a guilty plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau.

Abuse of Authority During Patrol

McKnight pleaded guilty to nine counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Between September 2023 and July 2024, while in uniform and driving a marked patrol vehicle, he targeted nine women. In several instances, he took phones back to his cruiser under the false pretense of verifying insurance or identification.

Beyond traffic stops, McKnight accessed devices belonging to women involved in accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or those simply reporting reckless drivers. One victim had her phone searched following an arrest.

Discovery of the Misconduct

The investigation revealed that McKnight searched these devices without warrants or probable cause, specifically hunting for intimate photos of the victims or their families. In some cases, he used his personal phone to photograph the images he found on the victims' screens.

The scheme unraveled after two women became suspicious and contacted the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A subsequent forensic analysis confirmed McKnight had accessed folders containing private imagery.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

The case was a joint effort between the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. McKnight is now scheduled for sentencing on March 24, 2026. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is leading the prosecution.

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