Sarasota Cop Fired, Arrested For Misuse Of Flock Databases: Police

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota police officer has been fired and was arrested Wednesday amid an internal and criminal investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement databases.

Cory Waiters, 38, is facing felony charges of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices, and official misconduct, Sarasota police said in a news release.

He also faces a misdemeanor charge of violating public records law.

The investigation began after the agency learned on Aug. 6 that Waiters allegedly misused law enforcement-only search databases, including DAVID and Flock, police said.

Waiters used the Flock database to make 335 queries involving the same license plate between May 20 and July 16, according to the probable cause affidavit for his arrest from Sarasota police.

The document redacted the name of the vehicle’s owner.

Police were alerted to Waiters’ use of the Flock logs by a USA Today reporter, the affidavit said.

An internal affairs investigation was launched immediately and led to a criminal investigation.

Waiters was placed on paid administrative leave Aug. 7.

The department also conducted an agency-wide audit beginning Aug. 7 to ensure compliance with the use of its technology and databases. The audit was completed Aug. 14 and found the agency was in compliance, the agency said.

Waiters was terminated Wednesday based on probable cause developed during the criminal investigation, police said.

“We take allegations of misconduct seriously,” police Chief Rex Troche said in a statement. “When an agency member’s actions fall short of the standards and professionalism we expect, we will address it appropriately and without hesitation.”

Waiters had been with the Sarasota Police Department since 2023. He is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Kim Laster with the Sarasota Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6827.

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