CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — A Habersham County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been fired and arrested after an internal audit found he accessed license plate data for personal, non-law enforcement purposes, the sheriff’s office announced July 31.
Former Deputy Christian Brewer accessed the Flock camera system and used retained license plate data in an isolated incident involving an individual with whom he had a personal relationship at the time, according to the sheriff’s office.
Brewer’s employment with the agency was terminated after the violation was discovered. He was arrested and booked into the Habersham County Detention Center on charges of felony violation of oath of office and two counts of misdemeanor misuse of license plate data.
Brewer began working for the sheriff’s office on May 6, 2024.
“The people of Habersham County trust us with authority and access to sensitive information. This trust is earned every day and can be lost in a single decision. Any misuse of our authority or the tools provided to your deputies is a betrayal of that trust. Although this was an isolated incident, I will not tolerate misconduct. We will hold our own accountable because the public we serve deserves no less,” Sheriff Robin Krockum said.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Once it is complete, the case file will be given to the District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Flock Safety camera network is used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics to help solve major crimes, recover stolen vehicles and locate missing or endangered people. The sheriff’s office said the system captures only a picture of a license plate and characteristics of a vehicle, does not contain personal information about the owner and retains information for 30 days before it is purged.
Access to the system is limited to legitimate law enforcement purposes and authorized investigations, according to the sheriff’s office.
