A former suburban St. Louis police officer admitted that over several months last year, he pulled over 20 women's vehicles and illegally searched their phones for nude photos and videos.

In a deal with federal prosecutors entered Tuesday, former Florissant Officer Julian Alcala pleaded guilty to 20 counts of willfully depriving someone of their right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. In exchange, prosecutors dropped a felony obstruction count.

The count he pleaded guilty to is punishable by up to a year in prison, a $100,000 fine or both. Alcala, 30, remains free on bond pending his March 11, 2026, sentencing.

According to the plea deal, Alcala pulled over a woman in February 2024 and took her cellphone to his vehicle, saying he needed to do so to confirm her insuranc

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