Ex-Missouri Cop Sentenced for Stealing Nude Photos During Traffic Stops

Julian Alcala faces civil lawsuits from 20 victims he targeted while on the job.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A former Missouri police officer, Julian Alcala, was sentenced to two years in prison for taking nude photos from women's phones during traffic stops. Alcala pleaded guilty to 20 misdemeanor counts of depriving citizens of their rights under color of law. He has also been sued in five federal civil lawsuits by 11 victims, some of whom allege he shared the intimate photos with others.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious abuse of power and violation of trust when police officers misuse their authority to exploit and victimize citizens. It raises concerns about the need for stronger oversight, training, and accountability measures to prevent such egregious misconduct by law enforcement.

The details

While employed by the Florissant Police Department, Alcala would search women's phones during traffic stops under the pretense of checking insurance or registration. He would then use his own phone to take nude photos of the drivers, their loved ones, or both. On one day in February 2024, he took explicit images from five different women's phones. Alcala pleaded guilty in December 2024 and has since surrendered his police license.

  • Between February and May 2024, Alcala committed the crimes.
  • In June 2024, the Florissant Police Department was informed of the FBI's investigation, at which point Alcala resigned.
  • On December 2, 2024, Alcala pleaded guilty to 20 misdemeanor counts.
  • On March 11, 2026, Alcala was sentenced to two years in prison.

The players

Julian Alcala

A 31-year-old former police officer with the Florissant Police Department in Missouri who pleaded guilty to taking nude photos from women's phones during traffic stops.

Florissant Police Department

The police department in Florissant, Missouri, where Alcala was employed as an officer before resigning in June 2024 after the FBI investigation.

U.S. Justice Department

The federal agency that prosecuted Alcala and announced his sentencing.

Scott Rosenblum

The lawyer who represented Alcala in his criminal case.

Justin Summary

A lawyer representing one of Alcala's victims in a civil lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“He has turned his life around completely and is excited to continue that journey.”

— Scott Rosenblum, Alcala's criminal defense lawyer (The New York Times)

“While no sentence can fully undo the harm that occurred, the court's decision affirms that no one is above the law and that abuses of authority have real consequences. My client hopes this outcome will bring some measure of closure to her and the many other victims affected by the defendant's conduct.”

— Justin Summary, Lawyer representing one of Alcala's victims (The New York Times)

What’s next

The five federal civil lawsuits filed against Alcala by 11 of his victims remain paused pending the outcome of his criminal case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight, training, and accountability measures to prevent police officers from abusing their authority and exploiting vulnerable citizens. It serves as a stark reminder that no one, including those in positions of power, is above the law.