A former police officer in Alabama, Jarrod Gailen Webster, pleaded guilty Tuesday to sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop and coercing a minor to send him sexually explicit images, marking a stark betrayal of his public trust.
The plea, entered in federal court, resolves charges of deprivation of rights under color of law and sexual exploitation of children, with sentencing set for May 20.
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The incidents came to light following an FBI investigation by the Birmingham Field Office. According to the plea agreement, on November 12, 2023, Webster initiated a traffic stop and, after asking the female driver to exit her vehicle, propositioned her to “get out of this.”
When she refused, Webster handcuffed her and sexually assaulted her, violating her civil rights while acting in his official capacity. Separately, between June 2016 and October 2018, Webster admitted to soliciting sexually explicit photos from a minor via phone, receiving at least one image classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
“Jarrod Webster took an oath to protect and serve citizens of his community. He violated that oath when he sexually assaulted a woman and exploited a minor,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate positions of public trust are held accountable.”
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FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples condemned Webster’s actions, stating, “Police officers are given immense trust and responsibility to serve and protect, and are therefore held to a higher standard. Jarrod Gailen Webster disgraced the uniform when he abused his authority.”
Peeples emphasized the FBI’s “zero tolerance” for officials who prey on those they are sworn to protect, adding that the plea “affirms there are serious consequences when one tarnishes the badge by breaking the law.”
Webster’s guilty plea covers two counts with severe penalties. For the civil rights violation, he faces up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
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The child exploitation charge carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and another potential $250,000 fine. A federal judge will determine the final sentence based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors.
The case underscores a broader push by federal authorities to root out misconduct within law enforcement ranks.
Webster’s actions, spanning years and targeting vulnerable individuals, have drawn sharp rebuke from officials and cast a shadow over the Killen Police Department. As sentencing approaches, the outcome will signal how harshly the justice system addresses such breaches of duty.
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