Former Vidalia Police Sergeant Arrested for Misusing Flock License Plate Camera System
VIDALIA, Ga. – A former Vidalia Police Department sergeant has been arrested after an internal audit uncovered allegations that he repeatedly accessed the department’s Flock Safety license plate recognition system for purposes unrelated to law enforcement, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Santonio Wilcher, 37, of Lyons, was charged with two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system and violation of oath of office.
The GBI announced the arrest on Monday, October 19, 2026, following an investigation requested by the Vidalia Police Department.
Wilcher is no longer employed by the department.
Internal Audit Uncovers Alleged Misuse of Police Surveillance System
The investigation began Wednesday, October 14, when the Vidalia Police Department contacted the GBI after conducting an internal audit of its Flock Safety system.
According to preliminary findings, the audit raised concerns that Wilcher had accessed the system on multiple occasions for reasons unrelated to legitimate law enforcement activities.
The department requested an independent investigation into the alleged employee misconduct.
GBI agents subsequently investigated the allegations, leading to criminal charges against Wilcher.
What Is the Flock Safety License Plate Reader System?
The Flock Safety system uses automated license plate recognition technology to help law enforcement agencies identify and locate vehicles.
Cameras capture images of passing vehicles and collect information such as license plate numbers, vehicle characteristics and the time and location of a detection.
Law enforcement agencies can use the technology to assist with investigations involving stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, missing persons and other public safety matters.
However, access to this information raises privacy concerns because license plate reader records can reveal where vehicles have traveled or been observed.
Authorized use of these systems is generally limited to legitimate law enforcement purposes, and audit records can help agencies identify searches that may violate applicable laws or departmental policies.
In Wilcher’s case, investigators allege that he accessed the department’s Flock Safety system for non-law enforcement purposes.
The GBI has not explained whether the alleged searches involved personal matters, outside business interests or another purpose.
Former Sergeant Faces Three Criminal Charges
Following the investigation, Wilcher was arrested and charged with:
- Two counts of misuse of a license plate reader system
- One count of violation of oath of office
The violation of oath of office charge relates to allegations that a public officer failed to uphold the legal obligations of the position.
Georgia law also places restrictions on the use of automated license plate recognition systems, including the purposes for which collected information may be accessed.
The specific actions supporting each of Wilcher’s charges have not been publicly detailed by the GBI.
Wilcher No Longer Employed by Vidalia Police Department
The GBI confirmed that Wilcher is no longer employed with the Vidalia Police Department.
The agency did not specify whether he resigned, was terminated or left the department under other circumstances.
Authorities also have not disclosed how long Wilcher served with the department or whether his departure occurred before or after the internal audit.
Following his arrest, Wilcher was booked into the Toombs County Jail.
Bond information and a scheduled court appearance were not included in the GBI’s announcement.
GBI Investigation Remains Active
The investigation into the alleged misuse of the Flock Safety system remains active and ongoing.
Investigators have not announced whether additional employees are under investigation or whether the department is reviewing other system access records.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988.
Wilcher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
