Ex-Officer Gets 21 Months for Violating Civil Rights
A former officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after admitting to unlawfully searching women’s phones and extracting private images during traffic stops.
David McKnight, 40, pleaded guilty to nine counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, acknowledging he violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.
Abuse of Authority During Traffic Stops
According to court records, McKnight used his position to seize cell phones from women during routine traffic stops, accidents, and roadside incidents between September 2023 and July 2024.
He falsely claimed he needed to verify identification or insurance details, then took the devices back to his patrol car. Instead, investigators found he searched through personal folders, specifically targeting private and explicit images.
Out of nine victims, he admitted to extracting photos from at least seven phones.
Investigation Triggered by Suspicious Victims
The case began when two women grew suspicious of McKnight’s actions and reported him to authorities. A forensic review later confirmed unauthorized access to private files on their devices.
Further investigation uncovered similar incidents involving additional victims.
The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state authorities.
Prosecutors Call Conduct “Inexcusable”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug emphasized the seriousness of the misconduct in court filings, stating the actions were a clear abuse of power and warranted imprisonment.
Broader Implications on Trust and Accountability
The case highlights ongoing concerns about abuse of authority and privacy violations by law enforcement officers. Legal experts note that such incidents can significantly erode public trust, especially when officers exploit routine interactions for personal gain.