Former Alabama police officer Michael Kilgore has agreed to plead guilty to a scheme involving planting drugs on innocent motorists to create drug arrests. The scheme began in early 2023 when Kilgore offered a driver a chance to avoid drug charges by working for him, leading to a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Kilgore, who was fired from the Centre Police Department, performed fake traffic stops to “discover” drugs that he had planted. His co-conspirator eventually reported the scheme to law enforcement, leading to Kilgore’s arrest. The Centre Police Department expressed disappointment in Kilgore’s actions, stating there is no excuse for an officer violating the law in such a way. Kilgore’s guilty plea could result in up to 20 years in prison, along with a financial penalty. The driver targeted in the scheme has filed a lawsuit against Kilgore for wrongful arrest, alleging that drugs were planted in his vehicle during the fake traffic stop. Kilgore’s willingness to take responsibility and plead guilty will be considered during his sentencing.
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Confession: Ex-Alabama police officer involved in drug planting scheme
