Table of Contents

Former Killen Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault and Child Exploitation

By James Seidel | CC News Network | Broken Badges Series

KILLEN, Ala. — A former Killen police officer has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop and to exploiting a minor by soliciting sexually explicit photos, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, Jarrod Gailen Webster admitted to the crimes as part of a plea agreement filed in federal court.

Assault During Traffic Stop

Prosecutors said Webster violated the civil rights of a female driver during a November 12, 2023 traffic stop. After pulling the woman over, Webster asked her what she would do to “get out of this.” When the woman refused to comply, Webster placed her in handcuffs and sexually assaulted her, according to court documents.

Child Exploitation Case by the former Killen police officer

Webster also admitted that between June 2016 and October 2018, he communicated with a minor by phone and repeatedly requested sexually explicit photos. Prosecutors said the victim sent Webster several images, including at least one that constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Statements from Prosecutors and the FBI

“Jarrod Webster took an oath to protect and serve, and he broke that oath in the most egregious way possible,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “This office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold accountable those who violate positions of public trust.”

The FBI’s Birmingham Field Office led the investigation.

“Police officers have a duty to uphold the law, not exploit their position for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. “Webster’s crimes undermine public trust and stain the integrity of law enforcement. The FBI will not tolerate abuse of power.”

Sentencing in May for the Former Killen police officer

Webster pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of sexual exploitation of children. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2025, in federal district court.

Webster faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 for the count of deprivation of rights under color of law. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, supervised release for life, and a fine of up to $250,000 for the count of sexual exploitation of children. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Investigation and Prosecution

The case of the former Killen police officer is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama, alongside Senior Sex Crimes Counsel Maura White and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

This is a developing story. Check back with CC News Network