SARASOTA, FL — A former Sarasota police officer has been fired and arrested after an investigation into the alleged misuse of law enforcement databases, including Flock and DAVID. The department said the case began after it learned on Aug. 6 that the officer may have improperly used search systems reserved for law enforcement.
Cory Waiters, 38, was arrested Aug. 19 and now faces two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge, according to police. The department said the criminal case followed an internal affairs inquiry and a separate review of database access.
Police opened internal and criminal investigations after Aug. 6 complaint
Sarasota police said Waiters was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 7 after the department learned of the alleged misuse. That same day, the agency also began a department-wide audit of database use.
Officials said the audit was finished Aug. 14 and found agency-wide compliance. Investigators later developed probable cause in the criminal case, leading to Waiters’ arrest and termination on Aug. 19.
Charges include computer-related offense, official misconduct and public records violation
Police said the charges include an offense involving computers, computer systems, networks or electronic devices, along with official misconduct and violating Florida’s public records law. The department did not explain exactly how the databases were allegedly misused.
It also did not identify any people whose information may have been accessed. Waiters had worked for the Sarasota Police Department since 2023, police said.
Chief says misconduct will be addressed without hesitation
In a statement, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said the agency takes misconduct allegations seriously. He said when an employee’s actions fall short of department standards, police will respond appropriately and without hesitation.
Police said Waiters was being held at the Sarasota County Jail after his arrest. Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Detective Kim Laster with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
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