US News
Texas police officer indicted on 100 felony counts for alleged misuse of Flock surveillance cameras
A Lufkin police officer allegedly used automated license plate readers to spy on 11 civilians, prompting the department to suspend its use of the technology.
The short version
- A 32-year-old Texas police officer, Zachary Klein, was arrested and indicted on 100 third-degree felony counts of misuse of official information.
- Prosecutors allege Klein used Flock automated license plate readers to track the vehicles of 11 civilians for over a year in a non-official capacity.
- The Lufkin Police Department has suspended its use of Flock cameras while internal and state investigations continue.
Key facts
- Zachary Klein, an 11-year veteran of the Lufkin Police Department, was indicted on 100 third-degree felony charges for misuse of official information.[Jalopnik]
- Klein is accused of using the Flock camera network to monitor 11 civilians in a non-governmental capacity for over a year.[Jalopnik]
- The Lufkin Police Department initiated an audit after identifying potential issues, leading to an internal affairs investigation of Klein and another officer, who has been placed on administrative leave.[Jalopnik]
- Lufkin Police Chief Travis Brazil requested an investigation by the Texas Rangers, who subsequently arrested Klein.[Jalopnik]
- Lufkin Police suspended the use of Flock cameras department-wide while investigations remain ongoing.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
- The role or potential misconduct of the second Lufkin police officer placed on administrative leave remains unspecified as investigations continue.[Jalopnik]