Full Breakdown
Former Indiana Deputy Charged with Felony Misuse of Flock License-Plate Readers
9/2/2026, 8:36:19 PM
Misuse of Flock System Leads to Felony Charges
Former Jackson County deputy Skylar Thompson, 31, was arrested after an internal audit revealed he used the department’s Flock automated license-plate reader (ALPR) to conduct more than 2,000 searches of the same vehicle registration between the end of 2025 and August 2026. Prosecutors say Thompson logged each query under “city planning/traffic analysis” despite never being assigned to that function. He has been charged with one count of official misconduct (Level 6 felony) and one count of fraud (Class A misdemeanor). Thompson turned himself in, resigned from the sheriff’s office, and is being held in the Jackson County Jail.
Background & Context
Flock Safety’s ALPR technology captures license-plate data to aid investigations of stolen vehicles, missing persons, and serious crimes. The system has drawn increasing privacy scrutiny, with law-enforcement watchdogs documenting over 100 alleged misuse cases nationwide. Recent investigations in Illinois and Florida have similarly focused on unauthorized searches, underscoring broader concerns about how readily accessible surveillance tools can be exploited for personal purposes.
Timeline
- August 14, 2026 – Jackson County Sheriff’s Department contacts Indiana State Police after the internal audit flags improper use.
- September 1, 2026 – Media outlets report that Thompson has been formally charged and will face an initial appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court.
Data & Statistics
- Search count: audit indicated more than 2,000 license-plate queries; one source specifies 2,055 searches.
- Charges: one Level 6 felony (official misconduct) and one Class A misdemeanor (fraud).
Official Statements & Responses
- Indiana State Police detectives from the Sellersburg Post conducted the investigation and forwarded their findings to the prosecutor’s office, confirming the misuse.
Criticism & Opposition
The Institute for Justice has cataloged more than 100 cases in which police departments allegedly misused ALPR systems, arguing that the technology’s broad data-collection capabilities pose significant privacy risks when not tightly regulated.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of searches: some describe “over 2,000” queries, while another audit record cites 2,055 searches. Additionally, the audit does not clarify whether any of the searches yielded actionable investigative leads, leaving the scope of potential legitimate use ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Flock’s technology is an important public safety tool for law enforcement agencies across Texas, helping officers solve serious crimes, find missing people, recover stolen vehicles and support safer communities,” — Paris Lewbel, flock safety spokesperson
Why It Matters
The case highlights the tension between law-enforcement efficiency and individual privacy. Misuse of ALPR data can erode public trust and prompt legislative bodies to consider stricter oversight, mandatory auditing, and clearer usage policies for automated surveillance tools.
What’s Next
Thompson is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court. Prosecutors have indicated that the case will proceed under Indiana’s official-misconduct statutes, and state officials may review departmental ALPR protocols in light of the allegations.
