Former Alabama police officer Michael Kilgore has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to a scheme to plant drugs on innocent motorists to make illegal drug arrests. Kilgore, who worked for the Centre Police Department, began the scheme in early 2023 by offering a driver a chance to avoid drug charges by working for him. The driver accepted and became Kilgore’s co-conspirator. They planned to plant narcotics on an unsuspecting target’s vehicle during a sham traffic stop. However, the co-conspirator eventually reported the scheme to law enforcement.
Kilgore was arrested in May 2023 and fired from the department. He faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Kilgore’s acceptance of responsibility and intention to plead guilty would be considered in sentencing.
The Centre Police Department expressed disappointment in Kilgore’s actions and initiated an investigation after receiving the accusation. Kilgore’s arrest led to a lawsuit from the driver targeted in the scheme, who accused Kilgore of planting drugs in his vehicle and using a police dog to find the narcotics. Kilgore’s guilty plea will be scheduled in district court.
The case highlights the corruption and abuse of power by law enforcement officers and the consequences they face when engaging in criminal activity. Kilgore’s actions not only tarnish his own reputation but also damage the public’s trust in law enforcement.
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