The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An Orange City police officer was arrested for allegedly using his work computer and law enforcement database to track his former girlfriend.
The investigation started when a stalking complaint was filed by his former girlfriend, who reported his controlling behavior was ongoing during their ten-month relationship, which ended in October 2024. She claimed he attempted to isolate her from her family, dictated aspects of her appearance, and insisted on knowing where she was at all times. Additionally, she alleged that he put an Apple AirTag in her wallet without her knowledge. During a video chat with the man, he reportedly showed her a live image of her vehicle passing through an intersection.
After their breakup, the man allegedly spread false rumors about the alleged victim being suicidal and continued tracking her through license plate readers. The woman contacted the police and asked them to check the activity on the officer’s computer, which allegedly revealed that he ran her vehicle’s license plate, along with those of her mother and brother, 108 times between April and November 2024.
When questioned, the officer allegedly admitted he misused police resources. He reportedly said he was concerned about her since she was pregnant, but investigators alleged that Brown was aware he was harassing the alleged victim. He allegedly agreed that his actions were inappropriate and said he had acted emotionally.
The man turned himself in at the Volusia County Branch Jail on suspicion of stalking and unauthorized access of a computer system with damages exceeding $5,000. He was held in lieu of $15,000 bail. On November 21, he was placed on administrative leave. On February 9, the Orange City Police Department told him he would be fired unless he appealed within three days, but he reportedly has not yet done so.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.