KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper was charged with several felonies in connection with a towing corruption scheme, the Jackson County prosecutor announced on Monday morning.
Melesa Johnson stated that Charles “Nate” Bradley used his position as a state trooper to help towing companies profit from towing and storing stolen vehicles without proper law enforcement involvement, preventing proper evidence collection and investigation.
FILE — Charles “Nate” Bradley spoke with KCTV5 in April 2025 about predatory towing issues in Kansas City.(KCTV5)
Bradley faces the following charges:
- 10 counts of tampering with physical evidence
- Acceding to corruption by a public servant
- Stealing ($25,000 or more)
- First-degree property damage
Prosecutors alleged that Bradley accepted gifts in exchange for violating his duty as a trooper. The indictment stated that Bradley intentionally delayed recovery of stolen vehicles and allowed someone to recover stolen vehicles on behalf of law enforcement.
He was charged with retaining a stolen necklace valued at $25,000 or more, and concealing the necklace to impair a burglary investigation.
Court documents accused Bradley of damaging a 2017 Alfa Romeo by removing valve stems or puncturing tires.
Bradley surrendered to law enforcement on Friday, May 15, and bonded out shortly after.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol told KCTV5 that Bradley had been assigned to the Division of Drug and Crime Control as a criminal investigator for MSHP Troop A.
Bradley, a veteran with MSHP since 1997, was placed on unpaid leave on May 5.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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