Two Florida Deputies Face Charges for Misusing Police Databases
Two Pinellas County deputies arrested for improperly accessing sensitive law enforcement databases, including Flock Safety systems.
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Two Florida deputies have been arrested and face criminal charges after investigators found they improperly accessed sensitive law enforcement databases, including the Flock Safety camera system. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri of Pinellas County announced the arrests on Wednesday, highlighting two separate cases of misconduct involving deputies who allegedly used police resources for personal interests.
Deputy Gwynn Conducted 381 Searches on Woman
Deputy Karl Gwynn, 57, is accused of conducting 381 searches on a 35-year-old woman he had previously arrested. Of these searches, 300 were made through the Flock ALPR system, an automated license plate reader linked to Flock Safety cameras. Gwynn, who has since resigned, was arrested on four counts of unlawfully accessing secure systems, with his bond set at $25,000.
Deputy Stanton Gathered Info on 17-Year-Old Girl
Deputy Travis Stanton, 33, allegedly used law enforcement databases to gather information on a 17-year-old girl he was reportedly “romantically interested in.” Stanton resigned on September 25 after the sheriff’s office began investigating his conduct. He used several databases, including running the girl’s license plate through Florida’s vehicle registration system using a computer in his patrol car. He was charged with unlawfully accessing secure systems and has a $10,000 bond.
The sheriff described the two cases as unrelated, with Gwynn’s actions directly involving the ALPR system, while Stanton’s case involved personal interest in a minor. Both cases highlight the misuse of police technology for personal gain, raising concerns about the ethical use of surveillance systems.
These incidents are part of a growing trend of misuse of Flock Safety camera systems, as previously reported by The Gateway Pundit. In August, a South Carolina police officer was fired for allegedly using the Flock camera system to stalk her ex-boyfriend, with the system abused 166 times. These cases underscore the need for stricter oversight and accountability in the use of law enforcement technology.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
