A former Florissant police officer, Julian Alcala, stands accused of conducting a brazen invasion of privacy by allegedly stealing nude photographs from women during traffic stops and faces multiple lawsuits, one recently elevated to a federal level, as reported by FOX 2 News. The federal lawsuit alleges that during two separate traffic stops, Alcala took a St. Louis County woman's phone under the guise of checking insurance information, searched for nude photos, and then used his phone to photograph these images.
Details from the KFVS12 report suggest two other lawsuits precede this federal case, and while the police department has been made aware of the allegations they have not yet responded to requests for comments, this deepening controversy exposes potential systemic issues within the enforcement body, prompting an FBI investigation into the claims while Attorney Bevis Schock condemned Alcala's alleged actions as "disgraceful" highlighting a "wholly violated" sense of privacy and modesty for the victims.
According to KOMU, Alcala's last day with the Florissant Police Department was June 6, though it remains unclear whether he resigned or was fired, and he has since permanently surrendered his Class A peace officer license amidst ongoing legal proceedings; the lawsuit prompted by G.E.S. adds to the growing number of victims suspected, citing "shocking degradation and egregious humiliation."
The Ethical Society of Police has characterized the alleged action as a "severe lapse in character and blatant abuse of power," adding to a chorus of shock and outrage permeating the local community, meanwhile, the Florissant Police Department has maintained a commitment to high integrity, assuring that employees are expected to treat every community member with dignity and respect in a statement conveyed by FOX 2 News, but beneath this assured surface, questions fester concerning any foreknowledge of Alcala's actions by those in positions of authority.
