Missouri trooper indicted in Kansas City towing kickback scheme. ‘Trust is betrayed’
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- Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Charles “Nate” Bradley was indicted on 13 charges.
- Prosecutors say Bradley deleted stolen vehicles from databases and falsified reports.
- Prosecutors say the scheme generated over $67,000 in towing invoices charged to victims.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper is accused of removing stolen vehicles from law enforcement databases and falsifying reports as part of a towing kickback scheme that prosecutors say cost victims and insurance companies more than $67,000.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Monday that Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Charles “Nate” Bradley was indicted by a Jackson County grand jury on 13 charges, including 10 counts of tampering with physical evidence, in connection with the alleged scheme.
“Charging a law enforcement officer is rare, which I think goes to show you our concerns surrounding these allegations,” Johnson said Monday.
Bradley joined the Highway Patrol in 1997, and works as a criminal investigator in the Division of Drug and Crime Control, according to Highway Patrol Officials.
Johnson said that Bradley allegedly removed stolen vehicles from internal databases and wrote false police reports, which hindered investigations for the Kansas City Police Department and delayed victims from being able to recover their cars.
“This allowed tow companies to rack up more than $67,000 in towing invoices from victims and their insurance companies,” Johnson said.
Bradley is also charged with one count of acceding to corruption by a public servant, one count of stealing $25,000 or more and one count of first-degree property damage.
Bradley allegedly accepted gifts from a towing operator in exchange for giving the company access to stolen vehicles. Prosecutors also allege Bradley directed a tow truck driver to intentionally damage a stolen vehicle to disable it.
Johnson said that Bradley also received a stolen necklace worth at least $25,000 that was taken during a jewelry store robbery from a confidential informant, despite knowing it was stolen and part of a Kansas City Police Department investigation.
“A badge is a symbol of responsibility and public trust, and when that trust is betrayed, there must be accountability, and today’s indictment makes clear that nobody is above the law,” Johnson said during the press conference.
When asked about the tow truck companies involved, Johnson said that those investigations are still ongoing.
The investigation into the scheme began more than a year ago, with Johnson’s office partnering with the Kansas City Police Department and the Leawood Police Department.
“Since Leawood, Kansas, is involved in the investigation, I will not prematurely speak up to any charges they might be filing,” Johnson said.
Missouri State Highway Patrol officials said they were aware of the arrest and are fully cooperating with the investigation.
“In accordance with Patrol policy, our Professional Standards Division has been notified of the incident,” said Capt. Scott White, Highway Patrol spokesperson. “While the administrative review process continues, Corporal Bradley is on administrative leave without pay, effective May 5, 2026.”
Bradley had already been arrested and was released on bond on Friday. Court records did not yet list an attorney for Bradley.
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 11:28 AM.
