A former officer of the Killen, Alabama Police Department has pleaded guilty to charges of sexually assaulting a woman while on duty and receiving explicit photos from a minor. Jarrod Gailen Webster admitted in court that he violated the civil rights of a woman during a traffic stop on November 12, 2023. According to his plea agreement, Webster asked the woman what she would do to "get out of this" and subsequently handcuffed and assaulted her when she refused.
Webster also confessed to communicating with a minor between June 2016 and October 2018, during which he solicited and received sexually explicit images from her. At least one image constituted child sexual abuse material.
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Prim Escalona, stated, "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." She emphasized ongoing efforts with law enforcement partners to hold public officials accountable for such violations.
Carlton Peeples, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Birmingham Division, commented on the case saying, "Police officers are given immense trust and responsibility to serve and protect... so there are serious consequences when one tarnishes the badge by breaking the law."
Webster has pleaded guilty to one count each of deprivation of rights under color of law and sexual exploitation of children. His sentencing is scheduled for May 20, 2025. For these charges, Webster could face life imprisonment along with fines up to $250,000 for each charge.
The FBI Birmingham Field Office conducted the investigation. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Royster, Senior Sex Crimes Counsel Maura White, and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.