A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper from Sikeston is facing six felony counts in two counties related to invasion of privacy. David L. McKnight, 39, was charged in Scott County with five felony counts of invasion of privacy.
His bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety. McKnight also faces a felony charge of invasion of privacy in New Madrid County, where his bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety. McKnight is accused of using his personal cell phone to take pictures and videos of phones belonging to individuals he encountered during traffic stops.
Court documents allege that the trooper captured images that included women partially or fully nude. The five victims in Scott County, according to court records, are adult females. An additional victim is a romantic partner of one of the women.
Trooper charged with invasion of privacy
These incidents reportedly occurred from September 2023 through April 2024. In New Madrid County, there is one identified female victim.
At least two women have posted online about their experiences with McKnight. Emily Northern, one of the women, shared her distress. “It made me feel gross.
Not knowing what he’s seen or if he took photos from my phone was really disturbing,” she said. An arrest report states that McKnight was arrested at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, in Scott County. The Scott County prosecuting attorney confirmed that McKnight serves locally as a trooper.
Further coverage on this developing story will continue in the days to come.
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