Echols County Sheriff’s Office Employee Arrested for Misusing License Plate Data and Stalking

STATENVILLE, GA -On January 7, 2026, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested 33-year-old Anna Altobello on multiple charges, including eight counts of Misuse of License Plate Data, one count of Stalking, one count of Stalking—Family Violence, and one count of Violation of Oath of Office.

The investigation began after Echols County Sheriff Randy Courson requested GBI assistance on December 18, 2025. According to the sheriff, Altobello, who served as a secretary at the sheriff’s office, had accessed the department’s Flock Safety account for non-law enforcement purposes on several occasions. Investigators determined that Altobello used the system to search license plate information for two individuals she personally knew.

Altobello was booked into the Lowndes County Jail on outstanding arrest warrants issued by Echols County. Authorities indicate that additional charges could be filed as further documents and evidence are reviewed.

The GBI special agent in charge of the investigation is Jamy Steinberg, Jamy.steinberg@gbi.ga.gov.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomasville at 229-225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.